1.
tailcoat; swallow-tail coat
A formal evening coat with a short front and long tails at the back, resembling a swallow's tail. The most formal type of men's evening wear, worn at state dinners, formal ceremonies, and orchestra performances.
Literally "swallow-tail clothes" — 燕 (swallow, the bird), 尾 (tail), 服 (clothing). The name comes from the coat's distinctive split back tails that resemble a swallow's forked tail.
Common collocations
Similar words
- タキシード: tuxedo — one level less formal; worn with a black bow tie
- 礼服: formal wear — general term for ceremonial clothing
- 正装: full formal dress — refers to the dress code rather than a specific garment
Cultural note
In Japan, 燕尾服 is most commonly seen on orchestra conductors, at Nobel Prize ceremonies, and at imperial court events. For most formal Japanese occasions, a dark suit or 礼服 is sufficient.