T (t), the twentieth letter of the English alphabet, is a nonvocal
consonant. With the letter h it forms the digraph th, which has two
distinct sounds, as in thin, then. See Guide to Pronunciation,
§§262-264, and also §§153, 156, 169, 172, 176, 178-180.
The letter derives its name and form from the Latin, the form of the
Latin letter being further derived through the Greek from the
Phœnician. The ultimate origin is probably Egyptian. It is
etymologically most nearly related to d, s, th; as in tug, duke; two,
dual, L. duo; resin, L. resina, Gr. "rhti`nh, tent, tense, a., tenuous,
thin; nostril, thrill. See D, S.
T bandage (Surg.), a bandage shaped like the letter T, and used
principally for application to the groin, or perineum. — T cart, a kind
of fashionable two seated wagon for pleasure driving. — T iron. (a) A
rod with a short crosspiece at the end, — used as a hook. (b) Iron in
bars, having a cross section formed like the letter T, — used in
structures. — T rail, a kind of rail for railroad tracks, having no
flange at the bottom so that a section resembles the letter T. — T
square, a ruler having a crosspiece or head at one end, for the purpose
of making parallel lines; — so called from its shape. It is laid on a
drawing board and guided by the crosspiece, which is pressed against
the straight edge of the board. Sometimes the head is arranged to be
set at different angles. — To a T, exactly, perfectly; as, to suit to a
T. [Colloq.]
Ta (?), v. t. To take. [Obs. or Scot.] Cursor Mundi.
Used by Chaucer to represent a peculiarity of the Northern dialect.
Taas (?), n. A heap. See Tas. [Obs.] Chaucer.
Tab (?), n. [Etymol. uncertain.] 1. The flap or latchet of a shoe
fastened with a string or a buckle.