tapotement

[ tuh-poht-ment ]

noun

1. the use of various light, quick chopping, slapping, or beating strokes on the body during massage.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tapotement¹

1885–90; < French, equivalent to tapot ( er ) to tap, drum on, with the fingers or edge of the hand ( tap ( er ) to tap, strike (expressive v. akin to tap ¹ ) + -oter frequentative or attenuating suffix) + -ment -ment

Example Sentences

It will perhaps be noticed by those familiar with the technique of massage that nothing is here said about the use of the movements classed under the general head of "tapotement," the tapping and slapping motions.

From Project Gutenberg