rattail

or rat-tail

[ rat-teyl ]

noun

1. 1. a hairstyle in which a distinct thin section of hair grows from the base of the skull in the back, often extending several inches or more down the neck.
   2. such a thin section of hair growing from the base of the skull.
2. grenadier ( def 4 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of rattail¹

First recorded in 1695–1705

Example Sentences

"The girl had a rattail and I really wanted one of those," she told the Guinness World of Records.

From BBC

As they fatten up on the lush grass, the cows are helping Noyes control rattail fescue, an invasive species that chokes out native prairie plants.

From Seattle Times

The teeth were rusty and dull and he sat in front of the fire with a rattail file and tried to sharpen them but to little purpose.

From Literature

“He was wearing denim jeans, a denim shirt and a denim jacket… and he had a rattail,” he says.

From Wall Street Journal

I thought his skull earring looked stupid with the beaded rattail he had cultivated—like he was trying too hard to be a pirate or something.

From Literature