Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
TATTOO
I. noun (plural tattoos)
Etymology: alteration of earlier taptoo, from Dutch taptoe, from the phrase tap toe! taps shut!
Date: circa 1627
a rapid rhythmic rapping,
2. a call sounded shortly before taps as notice to go to quarters, outdoor military exercise given by troops as evening entertainment,
II. verb
Date: 1780
transitive verb to beat or rap rhythmically on ; drum on, intransitive verb to give a series of rhythmic taps,
III. transitive verb
Etymology: Tahitian tatau, noun , tattoo
Date: 1769
to mark or color (the skin) with tattoos, to mark the skin with (a tattoo) , tattooer noun tattooist noun
IV. noun (plural tattoos)
Date: 1777
the act of tattooing ; the fact of being tattooed, an indelible mark or figure fixed upon the body by insertion of pigment under the skin or by production of scars