tailcoat

or tail coat

[ teyl-koht ]

noun

1. a fitted coat, typically worn by a man, cut away over the hips and descending in a pair of tapering skirts behind, usually black and worn as part of full evening dress.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tailcoat¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

With trembling fingers he turned over a black tailcoat, a white waistcoat, and a pair of light check trousers.

From Project Gutenberg

He was tall with a high hat, a fine moustache and a tailcoat; he had melancholy eyes and a languid air.

From Project Gutenberg

He was very dapper in a new tailcoat and a flower in his buttonhole.

From Project Gutenberg