I. ˈtrāl verb
Etymology: Middle English, perhaps from Anglo-French * trailer, alteration of trainer to drag, trail on the ground — more at train
Date: 13th century
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to hang down so as to drag along or sweep the ground
b. : to extend over a surface in a loose or straggling manner
a vine that trail s over the ground
c. : to grow to such length as to droop over toward the ground
trail ing branches of a weeping birch
2.
a. : to walk or proceed draggingly, heavily, or wearily : plod , trudge
b. : to lag behind : do poorly in relation to others
3. : to move, flow, or extend slowly in thin streams
smoke trail ing from chimneys
4.
a. : to extend in an erratic or uneven course or line : straggle
b. : dwindle
her voice trail ing off
5. : to follow a trail : track game
transitive verb
1.
a. : to draw or drag loosely along a surface : allow to sweep the ground
b. : haul , tow
2.
a. : to drag (as a limb or the body) heavily or wearily
b. : to carry or bring along as an addition, burden, or encumbrance
c. : to draw along in one's wake
3.
a. : to follow upon the scent or trace of : track
b. : to follow in the footsteps of : pursue
c. : to follow along behind
d. : to lag behind (as a competitor)
Synonyms: see chase
II. noun
Date: 14th century
1. : something that trails or is trailed: as
a. : a trailing plant
b. : the train of a gown
c. : a trailing arrangement (as of flowers) : spray
d. : the part of a gun carriage that rests on the ground when the piece is unlimbered
2.
a. : something that follows or moves along as if being drawn along : train
a trail of admirers
b.
(1) : the streak produced by a meteor
(2) : a continuous line produced photographically by permitting the image of a celestial body (as a star) to move over the plate
c. : a chain of consequences : aftermath
the…movement left a trail of bitterness and prejudice behind it — Paul Blanshard
3.
a. : a trace or mark left by something that has passed or been drawn along : scent , track
a trail of blood
b.
(1) : a track made by passage especially through a wilderness
(2) : a marked or established path or route especially through a forest or mountainous region
c. : a course followed or to be followed
hit the campaign trail
• trail·less ˈtrāl-ləs adjective