(in army camps, etc) a signal given on a bugle, drum, etc, indicating that lights are to be put out
b.
any similar signal, as at a military funeral
2.
(in the Guide movement) a closing song sung at an evening campfire or at the end of a meeting
Word origin
C19: from tap1
taps in American English
(tæps)
noun
US
a bugle call to put out lights in retiring for the night, as in an army camp: also sounded at a military funeral
Word origin
< tap1, because orig. a drum signal
All related terms of 'taps'
screw tap
a valve by which a fluid flow from a pipe can be controlled by opening and closing an orifice
tap
A tap is a device that controls the flow of a liquid or gas from a pipe or container , for example on a sink .
tap dancing
Tap dancing is a style of dancing in which the dancers wear special shoes with pieces of metal on the heels and toes . The shoes make loud sharp sounds as the dancers move their feet .
tapped
to strike (something) lightly and usually repeatedly
faucet
A faucet is a device that controls the flow of a liquid or gas from a pipe or container . Sinks and baths have faucets attached to them.
gas tap
a valve for controlling the release of gas
tap out
If you tap out a rhythm , a code , or a number, you indicate it by hitting a surface or a machine such as a telephone .
mixer tap
a tap in which hot and cold water supplies have a joint outlet but are controlled separately
mixing faucet
a tap in which hot and cold water supplies have a joint outlet but are controlled separately
phone tap
an instance of listening secretly, usually illegally, to someone's phone conversations using special electronic equipment
double tap
an act of firing a gun twice in rapid succession
spinal tap
a lumbar puncture , a procedure whereby a sample of spinal fluid is taken
lumbar puncture
insertion of a hollow needle into the lower region of the spinal cord to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid , introduce drugs, etc