Tail
Tail turns up in 2 fields: paper optics, maritime. Here is what it means to the people in each one.
Tail in paper optics
Narrow strip cut from the edge of the sheet and threaded through the machine first after a break.
After a break, the crew cuts a strip, typically 10 to 30 centimeters wide, with a water jet at the couch or a cutter further on, carries it through the dryers and calender with rope carriers or air conveyors, then spreads it to full width. Threading is a skill: a lost tail means more downtime and more broke. Rope systems and automatic threading do most of the work on fast machines.
"Lost the tail at the calender twice, so slow it down and get a fresh tail from the couch."
Tail in maritime
A short length of rope spliced to a block so it can be temporarily tied to rigging.
A length of flexible line spliced directly to the strap or eye of a pulley block. Rather than using a fixed shackle, the tail allows sailors to quickly lash the block to any spar, stay, or deck fitting using a rolling hitch or similar knot. It provides a movable lead for lines that need temporary rerouting.
"Grab a tail block from the locker and lash it to the rail so we can get a better lead on this spring line."