Category:Telltale

Tell"tale`, a.

Defn: telling tales; babbling. "the telltale heart." Poe.

Telltale Tell"tale`, n.

1. One who officiously communicates information of the private Concerns of others; one who tells that which prudence should Suppress.

2. (mus.)

Defn: a movable piece of ivory, lead, or other material, connected With the bellows of an organ, that gives notice, by its position, When the wind is exhausted.

3. (naut.) (a) a mechanical attachment to the steering wheel, which, in the Absence of a tiller, shows the position of the helm. (b) a compass in the cabin of a vessel, usually placed where the Captain can see it at all hours, and thus inform himself of the Vessel's course.

4. (mach.)

Defn: a machine or contrivance for indicating or recording something, Particularly for keeping a check upon employees, as factory hands, Watchmen, drivers, check takers, and the like, by revealing to their Employers what they have done or omitted.

5. (zoöl.)

Defn: the tattler. See tattler.