Tāunt1, a.
a. [O. Fr. tant, Lat. tantus, of such size, so great in extent.] (Naut.) Very high or tall, as the masts of a ship. Totten.
3 entries under this word
Taunt
Tāunt2, v. t.
(Synop., § 130), v. t. [imp. & p. p. TAUNTED; p. pr. & vb. n. TAUNTING.] [O. Sw. tanta, danta, to reproach, tant, tand, mockery, O. D. tanden, to attack, danten, to trifle, Prov. Ger. tanten, danten, tantern, to talk idly, to prattle. Cf. Fr. tancer, to taunt, upbraid, O. Fr. tencer, Pr. tensar, to dispute.] To reproach with severe or insulting words; to revile; to upbraid; to censure. “When I had at my pleasure taunted her.” Shak. “Every kind of insolent and taunting reflection.” Burke.
☞—“I see no good reason why this word should have the broad sound of a, and not aunt, haunt, flaunt, jaunt; ... nor is my ear much accustomed to hear it so pronounced.” Walker.
Syn.—To deride; ridicule; mock; censure. See DERIDE.
Tāunt3, n.
n. Upbraiding words; bitter or sarcastic reproach; insulting invective. “With scoffs, and scorns, and contumelious taunts.” Shak. “With sacrilegious taunt and impious jest.” Prior.