tap
1. tap \'tap\ n [ME tappe, fr. OE tppa; akin to OHG zapho tap] 1a: a
plug for a hole (as in a cask) : SPIGOT 1b: a device consisting of a spout
and valve attached to the end of a pipe to control the flow of a fluid :
COCK 2a: liquor drawn through a tap 2b: the procedure of removing fluid
(as from a body cavity) 3: a tool for forming an internal screw thread 4:
an intermediate point in an electric circuit where a connection may be m
ade 5: the action or an instance of wiretapping 1: ready to be drawn {ale
on tap} 2: broached or furnished with a tap 3: on hand : AVAILABLE - on
tap
2. tap vt or tapped; or tap.ping 1: to let out or cause to flow by
piercing or by drawing a plug from the c ontaining vessel 2a: to pierce so
as to let out or draw off fluid 2b: to draw from or upon; specif : to cut
in on (a telephone or te legraph wire) to get information or to cut in (an
electrical circuit) on another circuit 3: to form a female screw in by
means of a tap 4: to get money from as a loan or gift 5: to connect (a
street gas or water main) with a local supply - tap.per n
3. tap vb or tapped; or tap.ping [ME tappen, fr. MF taper to strike with
the flat of the hand, of Gm]c origin; akin to MHG ta-pe paw, blow dealt
with the paw 1: to strike lightly esp. with a slight sound 2: to give a
light blow with 3: to bring about by repeated light blows 4: to repair by
putting a tap on 5: SELECT, DESIGNATE; specif : to elect to membership
(as in a fraternity) 1: to strike a light audible blow : RAP 2: to walk
with light audible steps 3: TAP-DANCE - tap.per n
4. tap n 1a: a light usu. audible blow; also : its sound 1b: one of
several usu. rapid drumbeats on a snare drum 2: HALF SOLE 3: a small
metal plate for the sole or heel of a shoe (as for tap dancing)
Webster's English Dictionary