| source : web1913 |
Tattoo \Tat*too"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Tattooed}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Tattooing}.] [Of Polynesian origin; cf. New Zealand ta to
tattoo, tatu puncturation (in Otaheite).]
To color, as the flesh, by pricking in coloring matter, so as
to form marks or figures which can not be washed out.
| source : web1913 |
Tattoo \Tat*too"\, n.; pl. {Tattoos}.
An indelible mark or figure made by puncturing the skin and
introducing some pigment into the punctures; -- a mode of
ornamentation practiced by various barbarous races, both in
ancient and modern times, and also by some among civilized
nations, especially by sailors.
| source : web1913 |
Tattoo \Tat*too"\, n. [Earlier taptoo, D. taptoe; tap a tap,
faucet + toe to, shut (i. e., the taps, or drinking houses,
shut from the soldiers).] (Mil.)
A beat of drum, or sound of a trumpet or bugle, at night,
giving notice to soldiers to retreat, or to repair to their
quarters in garrison, or to their tents in camp.
{The Devil's tattoo}. See under {Devil}.
| source : wn |
tattoo
n 1: a drumbeat of bugle call that signals the military to return
to their quarters
2: a design on the skin made by tattooing
3: the practice of making a design on the skin by pricking and
staining
v : stain (skin) with indelible color