top and tail

Noun

• The top and bottom of something.

Verb

• To add to the beginning and end of (something), such as the salutation and valediction added to a letter.
• To remove from the top and bottom of (an item), for example when preparing carrots for cooking.
• To set the limits of (an audio tape recording, a digital video file, etc.) by adding physical markers or by trimming unwanted portions.
• To bathe (a small child) in a minimal way by wiping its face and bottom.
• To provide (a train) with a locomotive at each end, for ease of reversal.