Emily Dickinson Lexicon

VAT, n. [D. vat; Sax. fat; G. fass.]

1. A large vessel or cistern for holding liquors in an immature state; as, vats for wine. Let him produce his vats and tubs, in opposition to heaps of arms and standards. – Addison.
2. A square box or cistern in which hides are laid for steeping in tan.
3. An oil measure in Holland; also, a wine measure.
4. A square hollow place on the back of a calcining furnace, where tin ore is laid to dry. – Cyc.