(ta·t′) v.t.
1. To prick and mark (the skin) in patterns with indelible pigments.
2. To mark the skin with (designs, etc.) in this way.
—noun plural ·toos A pattern or picture so made. [<Polynesian. Cf. Tahitian, Tongan tatau, Marquesan tatu <ta mark.]
—tat·too′er noun
—tat·too′ing noun
TATTOOING ON MAORI CHIEFTAIN

(ta·t′) noun
1. A continuous beating or drumming.
2. In military or naval usage, a signal by drum or bugle to repair to quarters, usually occurring about 9 p.m. [Var. of earlier taptoo <Du. taptoe <tap tap, faucet + toe shut]