tac-au-tac

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. In fencing, the combination of a sharp, rattling parry and a riposte, in contradistinction to a riposte delivered from a position of quiet touch with an opponent's blade; also, contre-ripostes, a set of attacks and parries rapidly following one another between two fencers of very equal skill, prolonged without a point to the credit of either. The tac-au-tac in the latter sense is practised by masters to give pupils quickness of eye and suppleness of wrist, and to accustom them to close play.

GNU Webster's 1913

1. n. (Fencing) The parry which is connected with a riposte; also, a series of quick attacks and parries in which neither fencer gains a point.