[app. short for TAPNET; cf. also TOP sb.3] A rush-basket (usually containing c. 28 lbs.) in which figs of an inferior quality are imported. Comb. tap-figs (colloq. shortened to taps), figs of the quality imported in taps.
c. 1860. [Recollected in use].
1909. Wholesale Grocer’s Price-list, Figs … Layers 40/- … 50/- per cwt. Taps, 19/-…. Naturals 25/6.
1910. Produce Mark. Rev., 19 Feb., 155. Figs … Layer Figs … Pulled figs … Naturals … Comadra, Taps.
