cotton-tail

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A rabbit species: "cotton-tail" refers to any of several rabbits of the genus Sylvilagus native to the Americas, characterized by a fluffy white tail that resembles a ball of cotton.
    • The tail itself: Informally, "cotton-tail" can also denote the distinctive white, fluffy tail of such a rabbit.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • We spotted a cotton-tail hopping through the garden at dusk. (A rabbit with a white, fluffy tail.)
    • The hunter aimed at the cotton-tail before it disappeared into the brush. (The rabbit itself.)
Advanced Usage

  • In literature and folklore: "Cotton-tail" is often used as a generic name for rabbits in children's stories, especially in North America.

    • Peter Cotton-tail is a famous character in Beatrix Potter's tales. (A specific rabbit character.)

  • "to be as quick as a cotton-tail": to be very fast or elusive.

    • The thief was as quick as a cotton-tail, vanishing before anyone could react. (Extremely fast.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Cotton-tailed (adj): having a fluffy white tail resembling cotton.

    • The cotton-tailed rabbit darted across the meadow. (The rabbit with a white tail.)

  • Cottontail (n): a variant spelling (more common in modern usage) of "cotton-tail."

    • The eastern cottontail is the most widespread rabbit species in the United States. (A specific species.)
Synonyms
  • Rabbit: a general term for the animal, but "cotton-tail" specifies the species with a white tail.
  • Bunny: an informal, affectionate term for a rabbit, often used for young ones.
Related Idioms

  • "Out like a cotton-tail": to leave or retreat quickly.

    • When the teacher entered, the students were out like a cotton-tail. (They left very swiftly.)

  • "Cotton-tail luck": good fortune associated with the sighting of a rabbit (a superstition).

    • Finding a cotton-tail crossing your path is said to bring cotton-tail luck. (Good luck from a rabbit.)