Dictionary entry

Tattoo (2)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Tat‐too″, v. t. [imp. & p. p.Tattooed (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Tattooing.] [Of Polynesian origin; cf. New Zealand ta to tattoo, tatu puncturation (in Otaheite).] To color, as the flesh, by pricking in coloring matter, so as to form marks or figures which can not be washed out.