horsetail

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun perennial rushlike flowerless herbs with jointed hollow stems and narrow toothlike leaves that spread by creeping rhizomes; tend to become weedy; common in northern hemisphere; some in Africa and South America

From Middle English horsetaile, horstaile, equivalent to horse + tail.

The Horsetail and the Jungle 185 77. — Woodland Tales, Ernest Thompson Seton
We know that Mahomet is a dog-spirit with three horsetails. — Imaginary Conversations and Poems: A Selection, Walter Savage Landor
(said he) God love your long beard, I hope the dey will make you a horsetail at the next promotion, ha, ha, ha! — The Expedition of Humphry Clinker, T. (Tobias) Smollett

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