Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Mare's-tail

Mare's-tail , noun

1.
A long streaky cloud, spreading out like a horse's tail, and believed to indicate rain; a cirrus cloud. See Cloud.
Mackerel sky and mare's-tails Make tall ships carry low sails. — Old Rhyme
2.
(Botany) An aquatic plant of the genus Hippuris (Hippuris vulgaris), having narrow leaves in whorls.