1. An overhang consisting of the fan-shaped part of the deck extending aft of the sternpost of a ship
   "Passengers gathered on the fantail to watch the sunset"
    
2. A breed of domestic pigeon characterized by its spread tail feathers
   "The fantail pigeon displayed its distinctive fan-shaped tail";
   - fantail pigeon
    
3. Any of various small birds known for their fan-shaped tails and acrobatic feeding displays; genus Rhipidura, esp. the grey fantail (R. albiscapa) of Australia and the New Zealand fantail (R. fuliginosa)
   "New Zealand fantails are known for their acrobatic feeding displays"
    
4. (architecture) a fan-shaped architectural detail, especially over doors or windows
   "The Georgian house featured fantails above each window"

Derived forms: fantails

Type of: overhang

Part of: afterdeck

Encyclopedia: Fantail