n.
Function: 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 \ ' tr ā l-l ə s \ adjective