Meaning
TATTOO', n. [Eng. tap.] A beat of drum at night, giving notice to soldiers to retreat, or to repair to their quarters in garrison, or to their tents in camp.
TATTOO', v.t. [In the South Sea isles.] To prick the skin, and stain the punctured spots with a black substance, forming lines and figures upon the body. In some isles, the inhabitants tattoo the face, in others only the body. The same practice exists among other rude nations.
TATTOO', n. Figures on the body made by punctures and stains in lines and figures.
