Definition of: trail

(trāl) v.t.
1. To draw along lightly over a surface; also, to drag or draw after: to trail a robe.
2. To follow the trail of; trace; track.
3. Mil. To carry, as a rifle, by grasping it in the right hand just above the balance, with the muzzle to the front and the butt nearly touching the ground.
4. To tread or force down, as grass into a pathway.
5. Naut. To allow (the oars) to drift alongside the boat.
—v.i.
6. To hang or float loosely.
7. To grow along the ground or over rocks, bushes, etc., in a loose, creeping way.
8. To follow behind loosely; stream.
9. To saunter leisurely along; move heavily.
10. To lag behind; straggle; remain in the rear.
—noun
1. The track left by anything that has moved or been drawn or dragged over any surface.
2. The track or indications followed by a huntsman or by a dog in hunting; the scent.
3. The path worn by persons or by animals; particularly, a route made by repeated passage through a wilderness.
4. Anything drawn behind or in the wake of something; a train; specifically, the train of a dress or gown.
5. Mil. The inclined stock of a gun carriage, or extension of the stock that rests on the ground when the piece is not limbered up: when divided longitudinally into two parts, it is called a split trail.
—to hit (or take) the trail To set out on a journey. [<AF trailler haul, tow a boat <L tragula a dragnet <trahere draw]