tappen

1. uncountableA plug that forms in the anus of a bear or other mammal during hibernation.

   Many hunters believe that the size of the tappen determines how soundly and how long a bear sleeps

   1958, Will Barker, Winter-Sleeping Wildlife, page 41

   2 more examples

   The inference drawn by the northern chasseurs from this is, that the tappen, in conjunction with repose, is the cause of the bear retaining his condition, though without taking any kind of nourishment, for nearly one-half of the year.

   1831, Lews Lloyd, Field sports of the north Europe, volume 1, page 98

   No food can pass through the system and a mechanical obstruction called a tappen or plug blocks the passage.

   1951, The New York State Conservationist, volumes 6-7, page 60

plural Tappens

1. countableuncountableA surname from German.
2. countableuncountableA city in Kidder County, North Dakota, United States.