«The detritus carried off by waterfrom a crushing machine, or any gold-washing apparatus.» (Brough Smyth, `Glossary of Mining Terms.') Not limited toAustralia.
1891. `The Argus,' June 16, p. 6, col. 2:
«A hundred and fifty tons of tailings are treated at the
Sandhurst pyrites works every month.»