Royal Navy slang for the daily issue of Pusser's Rum mixed two and one---and, later, three and one---with water. Also known as bubbly due to the foaming appearance neaters took on when mixed in this fashion. After Black Tot Day, the tot is only issued on special occasions such as splice the mainbrace.

Also mainstream slang for any measure of alcoholic spirit, as in the following example:

"To wish you success I shall have a nip of brandy. Are you going to have a tiny tot?"
"If I did, it would be the sensation of the medical world..."
- The Goon Show, `The Mighty Wurlitzer'

Tot (?), n. [Cf. Toddle, Tottle, Totter.]

1.

Anything small; -- frequently applied as a term of endearment to a little child.

2.

A drinking cup of small size, holding about half a pint. [Prov.Eng.] Halliwell.

3.

A foolish fellow. [Prov. Eng.] Halliwell.

 

© Webster 1913


Tot (?), n. [L.]

Lit., so much; -- a term used in the English exchequer to indicate that a debt was good or collectible for the amount specified, and often written opposite the item.

 

© Webster 1913


Tot, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Totted; p. pr. & vb. n. Totting.]

1.

To mark with the word "tot"; as, a totted debt. See Tot, n.

2. [Cf. Total.]

To add; to count; to make up the sum of; to total; -- often with up. [Colloq., Eng.]

The last two tot up the bill.
Thackeray.

 

© Webster 1913

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