Anglo-Ind. [Of obscure and uncertain origin: see Yule.] The transmission of letters, etc. by relays of runners; the organization by which this is carried on; the postal matter or conveyance, the mail; one who carries the post; an arrival or dispatch of letters.
1773. T. Parkinson, Lett., in Restoration of the King of Tanjore Considered (1777), App. II. 1258. I have placed Tappals from thence to camp, and intend to strike off the late Tappal established from Tanjore to Madras the first letter received from you by the Coast route.
1791. Jas. Anderson, Corr., 64. A letter by the Tappal or Dawk.
1799. Wellington, in Gurw. Suppl. Desp. (1858), I. 303. I have sent orders to the postmaster at Seringapatam to run a tappall from thence to Nuggur.
1809. Ld. Valentia, Voy., I. vii. 385. I might go by tappaul the whole way to Seringapatam.
1889. Blackw. Mag., Feb., 199. Farewell to telegrams and tappals for a fortnight.
Hence ǁ Tappal-wallah [cf. competition-wallah], a runner who carries the post in S. India.
1865. Daily Tel., 12 Dec., 7/2. The tappal-wallah does not turn up with the letters at the proper time.
