tam·pi·on \ˈtampēən, ˈtäm-\noun ortom·pi·on\ˈtäm-\ (-s) Etymology: Middle English tampion, tampine, tampon, from Middle French tampon, tapon — more at tamp : something that stops an opening : plug: as a.archaic: a wooden plug used as wadding for a gun b.: a wooden plug used to close the muzzle of a gun not in use c.: a metal or canvas cover for the muzzle of a gun