n.
Pronunciation: ' k ō t- ˌ t ā l
Function: noun
Date: circa 1600
1 : the rear flap of a man's coat
2 plural : the skirts of a dress coat, cutaway, or frock coat
3 plural : the influence or pulling power of a popular movement or person (as a political candidate) <congressmen riding into office on the president's coattail s >