taille

A form of direct royal taxation that was levied in France before 1789 on nonprivileged subjects and lands and tended to weigh most heavily on the peasants.

Also applied to the tenor voice and to the tenor species of wind-instruments: as, taille de basson, the tenor oboe or tenoroon.

In heraldry, party per bend sinister.

A Middle English form of tail, 1.

Cut as to form or figure, especially with reference to proportionate stature; build; make: used of persons, but only as a French word.

In old French law, a tax, tailage, or subsidy; any imposition levied by the king or any other lord on his subjects.

In English law, the fee or holding which is opposite to fee simple.

In dressmaking: The waist or bodice of a gown.

The style or fit of the waist or bodice of a gown. [In both senses an adaptation of the French term.]

In music, same as viola.