pigtail

The story

From pig + tail.

First known use, by meaning

• from 17th c. Tobacco twisted into a string or roll.
• from 18th c. A braided plait of hair; queue.
• from 18th c. Either of a pair of braids or tails worn on the sides of the head.
• from 18th c. A hairstyle with a pair of pigtails.
• from 18th c. A person who wears pigtails.
• from 20th c. A short length of twisted electrical wire.