noun
tattoo
A military signal performed by drum or bugle.
The bugler sounds the tattoo to call soldiers back to quarters.
Etymology
The Dutch command called for taps to be shut so soldiers would return from drinking. The accompanying military signal took the command's name.
More examples
- At the tattoo, the soldiers leave town and return to camp.
- A drum sounds the evening tattoo across the garrison.
- The recruits must be in their quarters before tattoo.
Forms
tattoo · tattoos