trail

[[t]treɪl[/t]]

v. t.

1) to drag or let drag along the ground or other surface; draw or drag along behind

2) to bring or have floating after itself or oneself:

a racing car trailing clouds of dust[/ex]

3) to follow the track, trail, or scent of; track

4) to follow along behind (another), as in a race

5) to be drawn or dragged along the ground or some other surface:

The bridal gown trailed across the floor[/ex]

6) to hang down loosely from something

7) to stream from or float after something moving, as dust, smoke, and sparks do

8) to follow as if drawn along

9) to go slowly, lazily, or wearily along

10) to pass or extend in a straggling line

11) to change gradually or wander from a course, so as to become weak, ineffectual, etc. (usu. fol. by off or away):

Her voice trailed off into silence[/ex]

12) to arrive or be last

13) to be losing in a contest

14) to follow a track or scent, as of game

15) bot (of a plant) to extend itself in growth along the ground rather than taking root or clinging by tendrils, etc

16) a path or track made in overgrown or rough terrain by the passage of people or animals

17) the track, scent, or the like, left by an animal, person, or thing

18) something that is trailed or that trails behind, as the train of a skirt or robe

19) a stream of dust, smoke, light, people, vehicles, etc., behind something moving

20) mil either of two rearward-facing parts of an artillery piece, spread out on the ground for support when the piece is fired

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Etymology: 1275–1325; ME: to draw or drag in the rear; cf. OE træglian to tear off, c. MD traghelen to drag trail′ing•ly, adv.