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’.