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