Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Cat-tail \Cat"-tail\, n. (Bot.)
   A tall rush or flag ({Typha latifolia}) growing in marshes,
   with long, flat leaves, and having its flowers in a close
   cylindrical spike at the top of the stem. The leaves are
   frequently used for seating chairs, making mats, etc. See
   {Catkin}.

   Note: The {lesser cat-tail} is {Typha angustifolia}.