Tail beam. (Arch.) Same as Tailpiece. — Tail coverts (Zoöl.), the
feathers which cover the bases of the tail quills. They are sometimes
much longer than the quills, and form elegant plumes. Those above the
quills are called the upper tail coverts, and those below, the under
tail coverts. — Tail end, the latter end; the termination; as, the tail
end of a contest. [Colloq.] — Tail joist. (Arch.) Same as Tailpiece. —
Tail of a comet (Astron.), a luminous train extending from the nucleus
or body, often to a great distance, and usually in a direction opposite
to the sun. — Tail of a gale (Naut.), the latter part of it, when the
wind has greatly abated. Totten. — Tail of a lock (on a canal), the
lower end, or entrance into the lower pond. — Tail of the trenches
(Fort.), the post where the besiegers begin to break ground, and cover
themselves from the fire of the place, in advancing the lines of
approach. — Tail spindle, the spindle of the tailstock of a turning
lathe; — called also dead spindle. — To turn tail, to run away; to
flee.
Would she turn tail to the heron, and fly quite out another way; but
all was to return in a higher pitch.
Sir P. Sidney.
Tail, v. t. 1. To follow or hang to, like a tail; to be attached
closely to, as that which can not be evaded. [Obs.]
Nevertheless his bond of two thousand pounds, wherewith he was tailed,
continued uncanceled, and was called on the next Parliament.
Fuller.