a tiger that lapped human gore

[birdeen's call]

the cunning of the fox and the quenchless thirst of the ferocious tiger, that hath once lapped human gore

(The buccaneers :: :: University of Virginia Library Scroll down, the phrase "lapped human gore" should be in bold)

What is the meaning of "lap" here?

[Route21]

Hi birdeen's call

See: lap - definition of lap by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia.

lap 3 (lp)v. lapped, lap·ping, laps
v.tr.1. To take in (a liquid or food) by lifting it with the tongue.
2. To wash or slap against with soft liquid sounds: waves lapping the side of the boat.

v.intr.1. To take in a liquid or food with the tongue.
2. To wash against something with soft liquid sounds.

n.1. a. The act or an instance of lapping.
b. The amount taken in by lapping.

2. The sound of lapping.
3. A watery food or drink.

Phrasal Verb: lap up To receive eagerly or greedily: lapping up praise.

Hope this helps
Best regards
R21

[5jj]

So, using Route21's find "To take in (a liquid or food) by lifting it with the tongue", "the quenchless thirst of the ferocious tiger, that hath once lapped human gore" could be rendered more prosaically as "The insatiable thirst of the tiger for human blood, once it has tasted it for the first time".

[birdeen's call]

Thank you!