tail

I

[[t]teɪl[/t]]

n.

1) zool. the hindmost part of an animal, esp. that forming a distinct, flexible appendage to the trunk

2) something resembling or suggesting this in shape or position:

the tail of a kite[/ex]

3) astron. the luminous stream extending from the head of a comet

4) Also, tails

the reverse of a coin(opposed to head).

5) aer. the rear portion of an airplane or the like

6) clo tails

a) clo

tail coat

b) clo the tapering skirts or ends at the back of a coat, esp. a tail coat

c) clo men's full-dress attire

7) sts Slang. the buttocks or rump

8) inf a person who trails or keeps a close surveillance of another, as a detective or spy

9) inf the trail of a fleeing person or animal

10) off sts Vulgar Slang.

a) sexual intercourse

b) usu. off. a person, esp. a woman, considered as a sexual object

11) the hinder, bottom, or end part of something

12) a final or concluding part; end

13) the inferior or unwanted part of something

14) a long braid or tress of hair

15) a retinue; train

16) the lower part of a pool or stream

17) bui the exposed portion of a piece of roofing, as a slate

18) pri the bottom part of a page or book

19) pri the lower portion of a printer's type, as of g, y, or

Q[/ex]

20) coming from behind:

a tail breeze[/ex]

21) being in the back or rear:

a tail gun on an aircraft[/ex]

22) inf to follow in order to hinder escape or to observe

23) to form or furnish with a tail

24) to form or constitute the tail or end of

25) to join or attach (one thing) at the tail or end of another

26) bui to fasten (a beam, stone, etc.) by one end (usu. fol. by in)

27) vet to dock the tail of (a horse, dog, etc.)

28) to follow close behind; tag

29) to disappear gradually or merge into

30) to form or move in a line suggestive of a tail

31) naut. navig. (of a boat) to have or take a position with the stern in a particular direction

32) bui (of a beam, stone, etc.) to be fastened by one end (usu. fol. by in)

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- turn tail with one's tail between one's legs

Etymology: bef. 900; OE tægl, c. MLG tagel rope-end, OHG zagel tail, ON tagl horse's tail, Go tagl hair tail′less, adj. tail′less•ness, n. usage: Definitions10aand10bare vulgar slang. Definition10bis usually perceived as insulting. II

tail

[[t]teɪl[/t]] n.

1) law limitation of the passage of an estate; entail

2) law limited to a specified line of heirs; entailed

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Etymology: 1200–50; (n.) ME taille < OF, der. of taillier to cut < LL tāliāre (see tailor) tail′less, adj.