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shavetail

noun
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shave·​tail | \ ˈshāv-ˌtāl How to pronounce shavetail (audio) \

Definition of shavetail

1 : a pack mule especially when newly broken in
2 usually disparaging : second lieutenant

First Known Use of shavetail

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for shavetail

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

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Time Traveler for shavetail

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The first known use of shavetail was in 1846

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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 14 Aug. 2022.

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