■ noun
1》 a mark or a series of signs or objects left behind by the passage of someone or something.
↘a track or scent used in following someone or hunting an animal.
2》 a long thin part stretching behind or hanging down from something.
3》 a beaten path through rough country.
4》 a route planned or followed for a particular purpose: the tourist ~.
5》 the rear end of a gun carriage, resting or sliding on the ground when the gun is unlimbered.
■ verb
1》 draw or be drawn along behind.
↘(of a plant) grow along the ground or so as to hang down.
2》 walk or move slowly or wearily.
↘(of the voice or a speaker) fade gradually before stopping.
3》 follow the ~ of.
4》 be losing to an opponent in a game or contest.
5》 advertise with a ~er.
6》 apply (slip) through a nozzle or spout to decorate ceramic ware.
Phrases
at the ~ Military with a rifle hanging balanced in one hand and (in Britain) parallel to the ground.
~ arms Military let a rifle hang in such a way.
~ one's coat deliberately provoke a quarrel or fight.
Origin
ME: from OFr. ~lier 'to tow', or Mid. Low Ger. treilen 'haul a boat', based on L. tragula 'dragnet', from trahere 'to pull'.