n. A supposed discovery which turns out to be a hoax; something grossly absurd. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. A confused multitude of things. Syn. -- clutter, jumble, muddle, welter, smother. [ WordNet 1.5 ]
n. 1. A long streaky cloud, spreading out like a horse's tail, and believed to indicate rain; a cirrus cloud. See Cloud. [ 1913 Webster ]
Mackerel sky and mare's-tails Make tall ships carry low sails. Old Rhyme. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. (Bot.) An aquatic plant of the genus Hippuris (Hippuris vulgaris), having narrow leaves in whorls. [ 1913 Webster ]