Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Telltale
Tell′taleˊ
,Adj.
Telling tales; babbling.
“The telltale heart.” Poe.
Tell′taleˊ
,Noun.
1.
One who officiously communicates information of the private concerns of others; one who tells that which prudence should suppress.
2.
(Mus.)
A movable piece of ivory, lead, or other material, connected with the bellows of an organ, that gives notice, by its position, when the wind is exhausted.
3.
(Naut.)
(a)
A mechanical attachment to the steering wheel, which, in the absence of a tiller, shows the position of the helm.
(b)
A compass in the cabin of a vessel, usually placed where the captain can see it at all hours, and thus inform himself of the vessel’s course.
4.
(Mach.)
A machine or contrivance for indicating or recording something, particularly for keeping a check upon employees, as factory hands, watchmen, drivers, check takers, and the like, by revealing to their employers what they have done or omitted.