n. An obstruction, or indigestible mass, found in the intestine of bears and other animals during hibernation. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. (Zool.) The lesser spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopus minor); -- called also
n. [ See Tapster. ] A female tapster. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. (Mach.) A lever or projection moved by some other piece, as a cam, or intended to tap or touch something else, with a view to produce change or regulate motion. G. Francis. [ 1913 Webster ]
Tappet motion,
. (Mech.) A rod carrying a tappet or tappets, as one for closing the valves in a Cornish pumping engine. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]
n. [ Sp. tampón a stopper. ] (Irrigation) A piece of wood or sheet metal fitted into a ditch to dam up the water so as to overflow a field. [ U. S. ] [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]