n. A tanners' pit, usually sunk below the surface of the tan-yard, in which bark is extracted with water and the process of tanning is carried out. Also called leach or latch.n. The hole bored and threaded in a street-main of a water-works system, so that the service-pipe of the customer may be connected thereto.n. In electricity, a branch line which taps the main circuit so as to divert a portion of the current; a shunt.To cut an internal screw-thread in with a screw-cutting tool, hob, or tap: as, to tap a nut or a hole.In electricity, to divert a portion of (the current) from a circuit by means of a branch circuit or shunt; to make electrical connection with (a circuit) at any point.n. A movable wooden plug or stopper used to close the opening through which liquor is drawn from a cask.n. A faucet or cock through which liquor can be drawn from a cask. Compare spigot.n. The liquor which is drawn through a tap: used to denote a particular quality, brew, or vintage.n. An instrument employed for cutting the threads of internal screws or nuts.To draw the tap or plug from (a cask) so as to let the liquor flow out; hence, to broach or pierce (a cask); in general, to pierce so as to let out a contained liquid.Specifically— To pierce (a cask) for the purpose of testing or using the liquor.To make an incision in (a tree or other plant) with a view to take some part of the sap: as, to tap the trunk of a maple-tree for the sap for making maple sugar.To cut into, penetrate, or reach for the purpose of drawing something out: as, to tap telegraph-wires for the purpose of taking off a message.To cause to run out by broaching a vessel; especially, to draw for the first time, as for examination, or when the time has come for using the contents.To act as a drawer or tapster.To strike lightly with something small; strike with a very slight blow; pat.To strike lightly with; hit some object a slight blow with.To peck or hack with the beak, as a woodpecker a tree, or a nuthatch a nut; break into or excavate with repeated blows.To apply a thickness of leather upon, as a previously existing sole or heel. Compare heel-tap.To strike a gentle blow; pat; rap.n. A gentle blow; a slight blow, as with the fingers or a small thing.n. pl. Milit., a signal on a drum or trumpet, sounded about a quarter of an hour after tattoo, at which all lights in the soldiers' quarters must be extinguished.n. A piece of leather fastened upon the bottom of a boot or shoe in repairing or renewing the sole or heel.n. A tap-house or tap-room; also, the room in a tavern where liquor is drawn and served to guests.n. A Scotch form of top.n. A very irritable person; a person easily inflamed, like a bundle of flax.n. Same as tap-cinder.n. In India, a malarial fever.n. Same as tapadera.