Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

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.