Noah Webster
Vat
VAT, noun
1. A large vessel or cistern for holding liquors in an immature state; as vats for wine.
Let him produce his vats and tubs, in opposition to heaps of arms and standards.
2. A square box or cistern in which hides are laid for steeping in tan.
3. An oil measure in Holland; also, a wine measure.
4. A square hollow place on the back of a calcining furnace, where tin ore is laid to dry.