Taper \Ta"per\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Tapered; p. pr. & vb. n. Tapering.]

To become gradually smaller toward one end; as, a sugar loaf tapers toward one end.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Taper \Ta"per\, v. t. To make or cause to taper.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Taper \Ta"per\, n. [AS. tapur, tapor, taper; cf. Ir. tapar, W. tampr.]

1. A small wax candle; a small lighted wax candle; hence, a small light.

Get me a taper in my study, Lucius. --Shak.

2. A tapering form; gradual diminution of thickness in an elongated object; as, the taper of a spire.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Taper \Ta"per\, a. [Supposed to be from taper, n., in allusion to its form.]

Regularly narrowed toward the point; becoming small toward one end; conical; pyramidical; as, taper fingers.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)