ˈmill-tail
[f. mill n.1 + tail n.]
The water which runs away from a mill-wheel; also, the channel in which the water runs away.
| 1611 Cotgr. s.v. Moulin, He that hurts himselfe to helpe others, will dye of thirst at the Mill-tayle. 1667 Boston Rec. (1881) VII. 33 Will Whitwell hath liberty..to wharfe one the North side of the mille taile for landing wood. 1724 De Foe's Tour Gt. Brit. I. iii. 87 The Mill Tayl, or Floor for the Water below the Wheels is Wharft up on either Side with Stone. 1887 Sir R. H. Roberts In the Shires x. 166 [He] tells me the mill-tail is full of fish! |
| attrib. 1875 J. Croll Climate & T. vi. 113 This..water..would flow off in currents with almost mill-tail velocity. |