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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)