1.  tattoo(n = noun.communication) - a drumbeat or bugle call that signals the military to return to their quarters;
is a kind of bugle call, drumbeat

2.  tattoo(n = noun.artifact) - a design on the skin made by tattooing;
is a kind of design, figure, pattern
Derived form verb tattoo₁

3.  tattoo(n = noun.act) - the practice of making a design on the skin by pricking and staining;
is a kind of decoration
Derived form verb tattoo₁

   tattoo(v = verb.creation) - stain (skin) with indelible color;
is one way to stain
Derived forms noun tattoo₃, noun tattoo₂
Sample sentences: Somebody ----s somebody; Somebody ----s something on somebody

   A beat of drum, or sound of a trumpet or bugle, at night, giving notice to soldiers to retreat, or to repair to their quarters in garrison, or to their tents in camp. [1913 Webster]

   To color, as the flesh, by pricking in coloring matter, so as to form marks or figures which can not be washed out. [1913 Webster]

   An indelible mark or figure made by puncturing the skin and introducing some pigment into the punctures; -- a mode of ornamentation practiced by various barbarous races, both in ancient and modern times, and also by some among civilized nations, especially by sailors. [1913 Webster]

tattoo, n.
1 an evening drum or bugle signal recalling soldiers to their quarters.
2 an elaboration of this with music and marching, presented as an entertainment.
3 a rhythmic tapping or drumming.

tattoo, v. & n.
--v.tr. (tattoos, tattooed)
1 mark (the skin) with an indelible design by puncturing it and inserting pigment.
2 make (a design) in this way.
--n. a design made by tattooing.

Derivative:
tattooer n. tattooist n.

Etymology:
Polynesian

N  command, order, ordinance, act, fiat, hukm, bidding, dictum, hest, behest, call, beck, nod, despatch, dispatch, message, direction, injunction, charge, instructions, appointment, fixture, demand, exaction, imposition, requisition, claim, reclamation, revendication, ultimatum, request, requirement, dictation, dictate, mandate, caveat, decree, senatus consultum, precept, prescript, rescript, writ, ordination, bull, ex cathedra pronouncement, edict, decretal, dispensation, prescription, brevet, placit, ukase, ukaz, firman, hatti- sherif, warrant, passport, mittimus, mandamus, summons, subpoena, nisi prius, interpellation, citation, word, word of command, mot d'ordre, bugle call, trumpet call, beat of drum, tattoo, order of the day, enactment, plebiscite, commanding, authoritative, decretory, decretive, decretal, callable, jussive, in a commanding tone, by a stroke of the pen, by a dash of the pen, by order, at beat of drum, on the first summons, the decree is gone forth, sic volo sic jubeo, le Roi le veut, boutez en avant.

N  roll, drumming, berloque, bombination, rumbling, tattoo, drumroll, dingdong, tantara, rataplan, whirr, ratatat, ratatat-tat, rubadub, pitapat, quaver, clutter, charivari, racket, cuckoo, repetition, peal of bells, devil's tattoo, reverberation, clickety-clack, hum, purr, hummingbird, cat, kitten (animal sounds), rolling, monotonous, like a bee in a bottle.

VB  be variegated, variegate, stripe, streak, checker, chequer, bespeckle, speckle, besprinkle, sprinkle, stipple, maculate, dot, bespot, tattoo, inlay, damascene, embroider, braid, quilt.