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.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI