n. & v.
--n.
1. a a track left by a thing, person, etc., moving over a surface (left a trail of wreckage; a slug's slimy trail). b a track or scent followed in hunting, seeking, etc. (he's on the trail).
2 a beaten path or track, esp. through a wild region.
3 a part dragging behind a thing or person; an appendage (a trail of smoke; a condensation trail).
4 the rear end of a gun-carriage stock.
--v.
1. tr. & intr. draw or be drawn along behind, esp. on the ground.
2 intr. (often foll. by behind) walk wearily; lag; straggle.
3 tr. follow the trail of; pursue (trailed him to his home).
4 intr. be losing in a game or other contest (trailing by three points).
5 intr. (usu. foll. by away, off) peter out; tail off.
6 intr. a (of a plant etc.) grow or hang over a wall, along the ground etc. b (of a garment etc.) hang loosely.
7 tr. (often refl.) drag (oneself, one's limbs, etc.) along wearily etc.
8 tr. advertise (a film, a radio or television programme, etc.) in advance by showing extracts etc.
9 tr. apply (slip) through a nozzle or spout to decorate ceramic ware.
Phrases and idioms:
at the trail Mil. with arms trailed. trail arms Mil. let a rifle etc. hang balanced in one hand and, Brit., parallel to the ground. trail bike a light motor cycle for use in rough terrain. trail-blazer
1. a person who marks a new track through wild country.
2 a pioneer; an innovator. trail-blazing n. the act or process of blazing a trail.
--attrib.adj. that blazes a trail; pioneering. trail one's coat deliberately provoke a quarrel, fight, etc. trailing edge
1. the rear edge of an aircraft's wing etc.
2 Electronics the part of a pulse in which the amplitude diminishes (opp. leading edge (see LEADING(1))). trailing wheel a wheel not given direct motive power. trail-net a drag-net.
Etymology: ME (earlier as verb) f. OF traillier to tow, or f. MLG treilen haul f. L tragula drag-net