fox-brush

A fox-brush is a common sight in the autumn forest.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The tail of a fox: "fox-brush" is a specific term for the bushy, often white-tipped tail of a fox, especially when considered as a distinctive feature or as a hunting trophy.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The hunter carefully preserved the fox-brush as a souvenir of the chase. (The bushy tail of the fox was kept as a trophy.)
  • In many folk tales, the fox-brush is said to have magical properties. (The fox's tail is a symbol in stories.)

Advanced Usage

• "to carry a fox-brush": an older hunting expression meaning to have a fox's tail as a sign of success.
  • The hounds returned carrying a fox-brush, indicating a successful hunt. (The dogs brought back the tail as proof.)

Variants and Related Words

• Brush (n): a bushy tail of an animal, especially a fox.
  • The squirrel's brush is quite fluffy. (The squirrel's tail is thick and soft.)
• Fox-tail (n): another term for the tail of a fox (less specific than "fox-brush").
  • The fox-tail waved as the animal ran. (The fox's tail moved back and forth.)

Synonyms

• Bushy tail: a thick, fluffy tail.
• Tail: the hindmost part of an animal.

Related Idioms

• "As sly as a fox": very cunning or clever (not directly related to the tail, but uses the same animal).
  • He is as sly as a fox, always finding a way to avoid trouble. (He is very crafty.)