tailpiece
|tail-piece|
/ˈteɪlpiːs/
piece at the end (end-piece)
Etymology
'tailpiece' originates from English as a compound of the words 'tail' and 'piece', first recorded in the late 19th century.
'tail' (Old English 'tægl' or similar Germanic form meaning 'tail') and 'piece' (from Old French 'piece') combined in modern English to form the compound 'tailpiece'; the usage developed to name small end-pieces in printing, instruments, and plumbing.
Initially a literal 'piece at the tail/end', the term came to be applied specifically to ornamental end devices, short concluding literary items, and certain small end fittings (e.g. on instruments or in plumbing).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a fitting or piece at the end of a stringed instrument to which the strings are attached.
The violin's tailpiece needed adjusting to keep the strings in tune.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a short decorative design, vignette, or brief concluding item placed at the end of a chapter, article, or book; a brief concluding piece of writing.
The magazine printed a witty tailpiece after each article.
Synonyms
Noun 3
a short length of pipe connecting a fixture (such as a sink) to the trap in plumbing.
The plumber replaced the sink tailpiece to stop the leak.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/09 18:46