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 verb 1 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 others
3 : 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 verb 1 a : to draw or drag loosely along a surface : allow to sweep the ground b : haul, tow
2 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 wake
3 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