Main Entry: coat·tail

Pronunciation: \ˈkōt-ˌtāl\

Function: noun

Date: circa 1600

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>