n.
- 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.
- a long thin part stretching behind or hanging down from something.
- a beaten path through rough country.
- a route planned or followed for a particular purpose:
the tourist trail.
- the rear end of a gun carriage, resting or sliding on the ground when the gun is unlimbered.
v.
- draw or be drawn along behind.
▸(of a plant) grow along the ground or so as to hang down.
- walk or move slowly or wearily.
▸(of the voice or a speaker) fade gradually before stopping.
- follow the trail of.
- be losing to an opponent in a game or contest.
- advertise with a trailer.
- apply (slip) through a nozzle or spout to decorate ceramic ware.
Phrase
- at the trail
Military with a rifle hanging balanced in one hand and (in Britain) parallel to the ground. - trail arms
Military let a rifle hang in such a way. - trail one's coat
deliberately provoke a quarrel or fight.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. traillier ‘to tow’, or Mid. Low Ger. treilen ‘haul a boat’, based on L. tragula ‘dragnet’, from trahere ‘to pull’.