tails
|tails|
/teɪlz/
(tail)
rear part
Etymology
'tail' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'tægl' (or 'tægel'), where the root referred to a tuft or hanging part of the body.
'tail' changed from Old English 'tægl' and comes via Proto-Germanic '*taglaz'; over time it developed into Middle English forms and eventually the modern English word 'tail' (plural 'tails').
Initially it meant 'tuft' or 'hanging part' and referred to a projecting part of an animal; this general meaning has largely remained, while extended senses (e.g., 'side of a coin', 'tailcoat') developed later.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural form of 'tail' — the rear appendage of an animal (tails = more than one tail or referring collectively).
The dogs wagged their tails.
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Noun 2
the side of a coin opposite 'heads' (used when referring to coin toss outcomes).
She called tails before the toss.
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Noun 3
informal name for a tailcoat or formal evening dress ('tails').
He arrived at the ball in tails.
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Last updated: 2025/10/18 13:30