tamp (tamp)

t. [Appar. developed from tampion, tampon, formerly tamp in, perhaps regarded in some uses as a verbal n. * tamping, of a verb thence inferred and used as tamp. Otherwise, a var., due to a ociation with tampion, of tap: see tap1.] 1. In blasting for quarrying and mining purposes, to fill (the hole made by the drill or borer) with tamping, after the charge of powder or other explosive has been introduced.-2. To force in or down by frequent and somewhat light strokes: as, to tamp mud so as to make a floor. IMG:content-2822.png:[blocks in formation] tampon self unwisely or officiously; meddle: usually followed by with in this and the other senses. The physician answered, This boy has been tampering with something that lies in his maw undigested. Bunyan, Pilgrim's Progre , ii. Yet scarce I praise their venturous part Who tamper with such dangerous art. Scott, L. of L. M., vi. 5. IMG:content-2823.png:[graphic] 2. To interfere, as for the purpose of alteration; make objectionable or unauthorized changes (in): as, to tamper with a will or other document. We do not blame the ingenious author previously alluded to for her tamperings with the original text. Academy , Dec. 7, 1890, p. 367. 3. To use secret or underhand measures; exert unfair or corrupt influence; especially, to use improper persuasions, solicitations, bribery, etc. You have already been tampering with my Lady Plyant? Congreve, Double-Dealer, i. 6. There gleam'd a vague suspicion in his eyes: Some meddling rogue has tamper'd with him. Tennyson, Lance lot and Elaine. tamper2 (tam'per), n . [ tamp +-er1.] 1. One who tam tamps, or prepares for blasting by stopping the hole in which the charge is placed.An instrument used in tamping; a tamping An bar or tamping-iron. tamperer (tam'per-er), n. [ He himself was not tortured, but was surrounded in the Tower by tamperers and traitors, and so made unfairly to convict himself out of his own mouth. IMG:content-2824.png:[blocks in formation] 2. In mil it. mining, the operation of packing with earth, sand, etc., that part of a mine nearest to the charge, to increase its effectivene in a given direction.-3. The material with which the hole made by the drill for blasting is filled after the introduction of the charge of powder or other explosive. Among the materials used for tamping are bore-meal or boring-dust, dried clay, dried flucan, pounded brick, soft slaty rock, and plaster of Paris. Tamping is called stemming in some parts of England. The tamping should extend from the charge for a dis- Ernst, Man. Mil. Eng., p. 40. tance equal to at least 14 times the line of least resistance.