telltale

Definitions

• One who divulges private information with intent to hurt others.
• (chiefly) Tattletale; squealer.
• An indicator, such as a warning light, that serves to warn of a hazard or problem.
• (figuratively) Something that serves to reveal something else.
• (music) A movable piece of ivory, lead, or other material, connected to the bellows of an organ, whose position indicates when the wind is exhausted.
• (nautical) A length of yarn or ribbon attached to a sail or shroud etc to indicate the direction of the flow of the air relative to the boat.
• (nautical) A mechanical attachment to the steering wheel, which, in the absence of a tiller, shows the position of the helm.
• (nautical) A compass in the cabin of a vessel, usually placed where the captain can see it at all hours, and thus inform himself of the vessel's course.
• (engineering) A machine or contrivance for indicating or recording something, particularly for keeping a check upon employees (factory hands, watchmen, drivers, etc.) by revealing to their employers what they have done or omitted.
• A bird, the tattler.
• A story or fable that has a moral or message.