Rat-tailed \Rat"-tailed`\ (r[a^]t"t[=a]ld`), a. (Zool.) Having a long, tapering tail like that of a rat. [1913 Webster] {Rat-tailed larva} (Zool.), the larva of a fly of the genus Eristalis. See {Eristalis}. {Rat-tailed serpent} (Zool.), the fer-de-lance. {Rat-tailed shrew} (Zool.), the musk shrew. [1913 Webster]