v. & n.
--v.
1. a tr. (often foll. by to + infin.) teach (a person, animal, oneself, etc.) a specified skill esp. by practice (trained the dog to beg; was trained in midwifery). b intr. undergo this process (trained as a teacher).
2 tr. & intr. bring or come into a state of physical efficiency by exercise, diet, etc.; undergo physical exercise, esp. for a specific purpose (trained me for the high jump; the team trains every evening).
3 tr. cause (a plant) to grow in a required shape (trained the peach tree up the wall).
4 (usu. as trained adj.) make (the mind, eye, etc.) sharp or discerning as a result of instruction, practice, etc.
5 tr. (often foll. by on) point or aim (a gun, camera, etc.) at an object etc.
6 colloq. a intr. go by train. b tr. (foll. by it as object) make a journey by train (trained it to Aberdeen).
7 tr. (usu. foll. by away) archaic entice, lure.
--n.
1. a series of railway carriages or trucks drawn by an engine.
2 something dragged along behind or forming the back part of a dress, robe, etc. (wore a dress with a long train; the train of the peacock).
3 a succession or series of people, things, events, etc. (a long train of camels; interrupted my train of thought; a train of ideas).
4 a body of followers; a retinue (a train of admirers).
5 a succession of military vehicles etc., including artillery, supplies, etc. (baggage train).
6 a line of gunpowder etc. to fire an explosive charge.
7 a series of connected wheels or parts in machinery.
Phrases and idioms:
in train properly arranged or directed. in a person's train following behind a person. in the train of as a sequel of. train-bearer a person employed to hold up the train of a robe etc. train down train with exercise or diet to lower one's weight. train-ferry (pl. -ies) a ship that conveys a railway train across water. train-mile one mile travelled by one train, as a unit of traffic. train-spotter a person who collects locomotive numbers as a hobby. train-spotting this hobby.
Derivatives:
trainable adj. trainability n. trainee n. trainless adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF tra{iuml}ner, trahiner, ult. f. L trahere draw