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Webster 1913 Edition

Noun.

A piece at the end; an appendage.

(Arch.)

One of the timbers which tail into a header, in floor framing. See Illust. of

(Print.)

An ornament placed at the bottom of a short page to fill up the space, or at the end of a book.

Savage.

A piece of ebony or other material attached to the lower end of a violin or similar instrument, to which the strings are fastened.

tailpiece ‎(plural tailpieces)

An appendage or appendix.
(music, lutherie) A triangular piece of metal or ebony to which the strings of a violin, guitar, etc. are attached at the lower end.
(architecture) A short joist between a header and a wall.
The part of a telescope containing the adjusting device for the eyepiece, etc.
The part of a lock that transmits motion from the hub to the latch bolt.

secures strings on a musical instrument