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.