Telltale

Tell"tale`, n. 1. A thing that serves to disclose something or give information; a hint or indication.

It supplies many useful links and telltales.
Saintsbury.

2. (Railroads) An arrangement consisting of long strips, as of rope, wire, or leather, hanging from a bar over railroad tracks, in such a position as to warn freight brakemen of their approach to a low overhead bridge.

Tell"tale` (?), a. Telling tales; babbling. "The telltale heart." Poe.

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.) 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.) 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.) The tattler. See Tattler.