Literary notes about tail (AI summary)
The word “tail” is employed in literature with a rich diversity of uses, ranging from its basic anatomical sense to a potent metaphorical symbol. In some passages, authors provide precise physical details, describing its length or appearance to contribute to the vivid rendering of animals or mythic creatures [1][2]. In contrast, the term can suggest aspects of character or behavior, for instance indicating timidity or subservience when someone “has his tail between his legs” [3][4], or sly cunning and resilience as when it is used to depict a creature’s distinctive appearance [5][6]. Other texts harness “tail” in symbolic expressions, as in proverbial warnings or ironic twists that underscore broader themes of fate and identity [7][8]. In this way, the tail evolves from a mere anatomical detail into a versatile narrative tool that enriches both characterization and symbolism.
- it measures one foot 31/4 Inches from tip to tip of the wings when extended. 91/4 inches from the extremity of the beak to that of the tail.
— from The Journals of Lewis and Clark, 1804-1806 by William Clark and Meriwether Lewis - the tail is 33/4 inches in length, and Composed of 11 feathers of the Same length.
— from The Journals of Lewis and Clark, 1804-1806 by William Clark and Meriwether Lewis - So he followed morosely at Beauty Smith’s heels, his tail between his legs, yet snarling softly under his breath.
— from White Fang by Jack London - The lynx is nearly always depicted and blazoned "coward," i.e. with its tail between its legs (Fig. 342).
— from A Complete Guide to Heraldry by Arthur Charles Fox-Davies - Looking more closely Pierre recognized the blue-gray dog, sitting beside the soldier, wagging its tail.
— from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy - The calf, fumbling, poked her nose under her mother’s udder, and stiffened her tail out straight.
— from Anna Karenina by graf Leo Tolstoy - T. Taglia la coda al cane, e’ riman cane. Cut off the dog’s tail, he remains a dog.
— from A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs - "God help thee, what a lot of things thou hast strung together, one after the other, without head or tail!
— from Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
