A projecting part. In aircraft and rockets, esp. as a stabilizer (see quots.).

On a ship: a screen to afford protection from spray, etc. Also, a protective shield used on a rocket, etc.

The border, rim, outer portion, extremity, or tail-end of anything. Also technical (see later quots.) and figurative.

Technical senses. A temporary covering for part of a spacecraft, esp. one which protects and streamlines the payload of a rocket during launching.