Taunt (?), a. [Cf. OF. tant so great, F. tant so much, L. tantus of such size, so great, so much.] Naut.
Very high or tall; as, a ship with taunt masts.
Totten.
© Webster 1913.
Taunt (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Taunted; p. pr. & vb. n. Taunting.] [Earlier, to tease; probably fr. OF. tanter to tempt, to try, for tenter. See Tempt.]
To reproach with severe or insulting words; to revile; to upbraid; to jeer at; to flout.
When I had at my pleasure taunted her.
Shak.
Syn. -- To deride; ridicule; mock; jeer; flout; revile. See Deride.
© Webster 1913.
Taunt, n.
Upbraiding language; bitter or sarcastic reproach; insulting invective.
With scoffs, and scorns, and contemelious taunts.
Shak.
With sacrilegious taunt and impious jest.
Prior.
© Webster 1913.