1. top and tail - Noun
2. top and tail - Verb
top and tail (plural tops and tails)
The top and bottom of something.
(transitive) To add to the beginning and end of (something), such as the salutation and valediction added to a letter.
(transitive) To remove the top and bottom of (an item), for example when preparing carrots for cooking.
(transitive, broadcasting) To set the limits of (an audio tape recording, a digital video file, etc.) by adding physical markers or by trimming unwanted portions.
(transitive, colloquial) To bathe (a small child) in a minimal way by wiping its face and bottom.
(transitive, rail transport, UK) To provide (a train) with a locomotive at each end, for ease of reversal.
Source: en.wiktionary.org