Hypertext Webster Gateway: "tamping"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Tamp \Tamp\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Tamped}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Tamping}.] [Cf. F. tamponner to plug or stop. See
{Tampion}.]
1. In blasting, to plug up with clay, earth, dry sand, sod,
or other material, as a hole bored in a rock, in order to
prevent the force of the explosion from being misdirected.
2. To drive in or down by frequent gentle strokes; as, to
tamp earth so as to make a smooth place.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Tamping \Tamp"ing\, n.
1. The act of one who tamps; specifically, the act of filling
up a hole in a rock, or the branch of a mine, for the
purpose of blasting the rock or exploding the mine.
2. The material used in tamping. See {Tamp}, v. t., 1.
{Tamping iron}, an iron rod for beating down the earthy
substance in tamping for blasting.
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