\Tell"tale`\, a.
Telling tales; babbling. ``The telltale heart.'' --Poe.

\Tell"tale`\, n.
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.
5. (Zo["o]l.) The tattler. See {Tattler}.