subs. (old cant).—1. In pl. = dice. Whence TAT BOX = a dice box; TAT-MONGER (or TATOGEY) = a sharper or cheat using loaded dice; TAT’S-MAN = a dicing gambler; TAT-SHOP = a gambling den (B. E. and GROSE): see IVORIES.
1887. W. E. HENLEY, Villon’s Straight Tip to all Cross Coves. Rattle the TATS, or mark the spot.
2. (old cant).—A rag: MILKY TATS = white linen. Also as verb = to collect rags; and TATTER = a rag-gatherer.
1851–61. H. MAYHEW, London Labour and the London Poor, I. 417. He goes TATTING and billy-hunting in the country. Ibid., 424. I’ll tell you about the TAT-GATHERERS, buying rags they call it, but I call it bouncing people.
3. (colloquial).—An abbreviation of ‘tattoo.’
TIT FOR TAT, See TIT.
