[cock.tail] n [prob. fr. [1]cock + tail] (1806) 1 a: an iced drink of wine or distilled liquor mixed with flavoring ingredients b: something resembling or suggesting such a drink c: a solution of agents taken or used together esp. for medical treatment or diagnosis
2: an appetizer served as a first course at a meal
[2]cocktail adj (1865) 1: of, relating to, or set aside for cocktails "a ~ hour"
2: designed for semiformal wear "~ dress" [3]cocktail n [[1]cock + tail] (1808): a horse with its tail docked