Tabby, a. Brinded, brindled; term applied to a cat.
Tadpole, s. A young shapeless frog or toad, consisting only of a body and a tail.
Tagtail, s. A worm which has the tail of another colour.
Tail, s. That which terminates the animal behind, the continuation of the vertebræ of the back hanging loose behind; the lower part; the hinder part of anything; to turn tail, to run away.
When a dog is cropped, it is usual also to cut off a portion of the tail. Dog fanciers, as they are termed, commonly bite it off; but it were to be wished that a larger portion was added to both their knowledge and humanity. The tail does not grow materially after cutting, therefore the length may be previously determined on with sufficient accuracy, and cut off with a pair of sharp scissors. If the ears and tail are cut off at the same time, it is prudent to tie a ligature about the tail, to prevent the effusion of blood, as sometimes the bleeding, from both ears and tail together, will weaken the animal too much, and early distemper may follow; but when the tail alone is cut, no ligature is necessary. When a ligature is used, neither tie it too tight, nor suffer it to remain more than twelve hours. On the twisting off either the ears or tail, I will waste no invective; for if the cruelty does not strike the performer, I am sure no assertion of mine, that it is far inferior in every point of view to excision, and has for ever deafened many it has been practised on, will be attended to.—Blaine.
Tallow, s. The grease or fat of an animal, suet.
Talon, s. The claw of a bird of prey.
Tame, a. Not wild, domestic; crushed, subdued, depressed, spiritless, unanimated.
Tame, v. To reduce from wildness, to reclaim, to make gentle; to conquer.
Tan, v. To impregnate or imbue with bark; to imbrown by the sun.