Also spelled tail-coat
noun
Freq #65154
Meanings
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1
noun
a formal coat cut short at the front and extending into one or two long tails at the back
He wore a black tailcoat and white bow tie to the formal evening reception.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Word family
Related forms
morning coatformalwearwhite tie
Etymology
A compound of tail + coat, named for the long rear sections left after the front skirts of an earlier riding or dress coat were cut away.