Main Entry:

¹trail

Pronunciation:

\ˈtrāl\

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 verb1 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 trails over the ground> c: to grow to such length as to droop over toward the ground <trailing 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 others3: to move, flow, or extend slowly in thin streams <smoke trailing from chimneys>4 a: to extend in an erratic or uneven course or line : straggle b: dwindle <her voice trailing off>5: to follow a trail : track gametransitive verb1 a: to draw or drag loosely along a surface : allow to sweep the ground b: haul, tow2 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 wake3 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