Main Entry:

coat·tail

Pronunciation:

\ˈkōt-ˌtāl\

Function:

noun

Date:

circa 1600

1: the rear flap of a man's coat2plural : the skirts of a dress coat, cutaway, or frock coat3plural : the influence or pulling power of a popular movement or person (as a political candidate) <congressmen riding into office on the president's coattails>