From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]: Tattoo \Tat*too"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Tattooed; p. pr. & vb. n. Tattooing.] [Of Polynesian origin; cf. New Zealand ta to tattoo, tatu puncturation (in Otaheite).] 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]