n.
Pronunciation: ' tr ā l
Function: 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