Tattoo
WordNet
noun
(1) The practice of making a design on the skin by pricking and staining
(2) A design on the skin made by tattooing
(3) A drumbeat or bugle call that signals the military to return to their quarters
verb
(4) Stain (skin) with indelible color
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From Polynesian languages tatau (Samoan and Tahitian) "to tap".
Noun
- An image made in the skin with ink and a needle
- A method of decorating the skin by inserting colored substances under the surface. The skin is punctured with a sharp instrument, which now is usually a solenoid-driven needle, that carries the inks to lower layers of the skin.
Verb
- To apply a tattoo (to someone or something)
- To hit the ball hard, as if to figuratively leave a tattoo on the ball
- Jones tattoos one into the gap in left; that will clear the bases.
Noun
- From taptoe, the time to close the taps.
- A signal played five minutes before taps (lights out)
- a signal by drum or bugle ordering soldiers to return to their quarters
- a military display or pageant