Pronunciation: [bˈɒbte͡ɪld] (IPA) 
The word "bobtailed" is spelled with a silent "e" at the end of the word. The IPA phonetic transcription of "bobtailed" is /ˈbɑb teɪld/. The "o" in "bob" is pronounced like the "ah" sound in "father." The "b" sound is followed by the short "o" sound in "obvious." The "a" in "tailed" is pronounced like the "a" in "cat." The "i" is pronounced like the "ai" in "tail." The "e" at the end of "tailed" is silent.
Bobtailed, as an adjective, refers to something that has had its tail shortened or truncated. This term is commonly used to describe animals, especially cats or dogs, whose tails have been surgically or naturally shortened. The resulting tail is typically shorter than what is considered typical for the species.
In the context of nature, a bobtailed animal can occur due to various reasons. Some animals may naturally have shorter tails as a genetic trait, while others may have had their tails surgically removed for various purposes, such as breed standards or medical reasons.
The word "bobtailed" can also be used metaphorically to describe objects or entities, particularly vehicles, with a short or truncated tail-like structure. It is often used to denote the shortened rear end of a specific kind of vehicle, such as a bobtail truck, which lacks a trailer attachment. This term may also refer to the short, curved stump left after cutting off a long tail-like appendage from an object or device.
Overall, whether used to describe animals or objects, "bobtailed" connotes a sense of shortening or removal of parts, particularly pertaining to the tail or tail-like structures.
Having the tail cut short.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "bobtailed" is derived from the combination of two words: "bob" and "tailed".
The word "bob" originated from the Middle English word "bobbe", which meant "to cut short". It was used to describe something that had been shortened or trimmed. The term was commonly used in the context of cutting a horse's tail short, which led to the specific usage of "bobtail" to refer to a horse with a tail that had been cut short.
The word "tailed" comes from the Old English word "tal", which meant "tail". It refers to the rear appendage or extension of certain animals, including horses.
When these two words are combined, "bobtailed" refers to a horse or any other animal with a tail that has been intentionally cut short.
