tail
UK: teɪl | US: teɪl
n. the hindmost part of an animal, especially when extended beyond the rest of the body
n. something resembling or suggesting a tail in shape or position
vt. to follow and observe (someone) closely, often secretly
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The word "tail" traces back to Old English "tægl" or "tægel," meaning an appendage or hind part. It shares Proto-Germanic roots with Old Norse "tagl" (horse's tail) and Old High German "zagel." The term has consistently referred to the rear extremity of animals or objects, later extending metaphorically to surveillance ("tail someone"). Its simplicity reflects its ancient, unbroken lineage in Germanic languages.
The dog wagged its tail excitedly.
A comet’s tail glowed faintly in the night sky.
Detectives were hired to tail the suspect.
She tied a ribbon to the tail of her kite.
The tail of the plane was painted bright red.