From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Vat \Vat\ (v[a^]t), n. [A dialectic form for fat, OE. fat, AS.
f[ae]t; akin to D. vat, OS. fat, G. fass, OHG. faz, Icel. &
Sw. fat, Dan. fad, Lith. p[*u]das a pot, and probably to G.
fassen to seize, to contain, OHG. fazz[=o]n, D. vatten. Cf.
Fat a vat.]
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1. A large vessel, cistern, or tub, especially one used for
holding liquors in an immature state, chemical
preparations for dyeing, or for tanning, or for tanning
leather, or the like.
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Let him produce his vats and tubs, in opposition to
heaps of arms and standards. --Addison.
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2. A measure for liquids, and also a dry measure; especially,
a liquid measure in Belgium and Holland, corresponding to
the hectoliter of the metric system, which contains 22.01
imperial gallons, or 26.4 standard gallons in the United
States.
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Note: The old Dutch grain vat averaged 0.762 Winchester
bushel. The old London coal vat contained 9 bushels.
The solid-measurement vat of Amsterdam contains 40
cubic feet; the wine vat, 241.57 imperial gallons, and
the vat for olive oil, 225.45 imperial gallons.
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3. (Metal.)
(a) A wooden tub for washing ores and mineral substances
in.
(b) A square, hollow place on the back of a calcining
furnace, where tin ore is laid to dry.
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4. (R. C. Ch.) A vessel for holding holy water.
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Vat \Vat\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Vatted; p. pr. & vb. n.
Vatting.]
To put or transfer into a vat.
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