tail (redirected from tail docking)

tail

Extension of the vertebral column beyond the trunk, or any slender projection resembling such a structure. In fishes and other animals living completely or partly in water, it is very important to movement through water. Many tree-dwelling animals (e.g., squirrels) use the tail for balance and as a rudder when leaping; in some (e.g., certain monkeys), it is adapted for grasping. Birds' tail feathers aid in flight maneuverability. Other animals use their tails for defense (e.g., porcupines), social signals (e.g., dogs and cats), warning signals (e.g., deer and rattlesnakes), and hunting (e.g., alligators).

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tail¹

1. the region of the vertebrate body that is posterior to or above the anus and contains an elongation of the vertebral column, esp forming a flexible movable appendage

2. the rear part of an aircraft including the fin, tail plane, and control surfaces; empennage

3. Astronomy the luminous stream of gas and dust particles, up to 200 million kilometres long, driven from the head of a comet, when close to the sun, under the effect of the solar wind and light pressure

4. Angling the lowest fly on a wet-fly cast

5. a final short line in a stanza

6. the lower end of a pool or part of a stream

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tail² Property law

1. the limitation of an estate or interest to a person and the heirs of his body

2. (of an estate or interest) limited in this way