shavetail

noun

shave·​tail ˈshāv-ˌtāl How to pronounce shavetail (audio)
1
: a pack mule especially when newly broken in
2
usually disparaging : second lieutenant

Word History

Etymology

from the practice of shaving the tails of newly broken mules to distinguish them from seasoned ones

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shavetail was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near shavetail

shaves

shavetail

Shavian

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Cite this Entry

“Shavetail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shavetail. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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