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coattail


coat·tail

noun \ˈkōt-ˌtāl\

Definition of COATTAIL

1
: the rear flap of a man's coat
2
plural : the skirts of a dress coat, cutaway, or frock coat
3
plural : the influence or pulling power of a popular movement or person (as a political candidate) <congressmen riding into office on the president's coattails>

First Known Use of COATTAIL

circa 1600

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