See Also:

tap(4) (iou)



tap verb2. [tap] Infl. -pp-. ME.
[Old & mod. French taper, or imit.: cf. CLAP verb1, FLAP verb, RAP verb1.]
verb trans.
a. Strike lightly but distinctly (and usu. repeatedly). ME.
tap out send or produce (a signal, message, etc.) by a tap or series of taps. tap up rouse by tapping at the door.
H. Crane Wiggling a pen or tapping a typewriter. B. Pym If she had been carrying a fan she would surely have tapped his arm with it.
b. Strike something lightly with (the foot, hand, etc.). LME.
T. Dreiser She was..tapping her gold slippers to the melody.
c. Arrest (a person). slang. M19.
verb intrans. Strike (usu. repeatedly) a light but distinct blow; make a sound thus; esp. knock lightly on or at a door etc. to attract attention. LME.
R. Chandler His fingers tapped gently on the..table. J. Simms Her door was shut, so I tapped on it gently.
b. spec. Of a hare or rabbit: make a drumming noise with the feet. L16-E18.
c. Sound, esp. as a signal. L19.
C. Johnson A bell would tap for a waiter to come.
verb trans. & intrans. Add a thickness of leather to the sole or heel of (a boot or shoe). Cf. TAP noun2 2. N. Amer. & dial. M18.
verb trans. Designate or select (a person) for a task, honour, etc. US colloq. M20.