trail

Forms

1.To follow behind (someone or something); to tail (someone or something).
- The hunters trailed their prey deep into the woods.
2.To drag (something) behind on the ground.
- You'll get your coat all muddy if you trail it around like that.
- "I saw your brother. I saw your brother," he said, nodding his head, as Archer lagged past him, trailing his spade, and scowling at the old gentleman in spectacles.
3.To show a trailer of (a film, TV show etc.); to release or publish a preview of (a report etc.) in advance of the full publication.
- His new film was trailed on TV last night.
- There were no surprises in this morning's much-trailed budget statement.
4.To leave (a trail of).
- He walked into the house, soaking wet, and trailed water all over the place.

1.The track or indication marking the route followed by something that has passed, such as the footprints of animal on land or the contrail of an airplane in the sky.
2.A route for travel over land, especially a narrow, unpaved pathway for use by hikers, horseback riders, etc.
3.A route or circuit generally.
- Politicians are on the campaign trail in preparation for this year's election.
4.A trailer broadcast on television for a forthcoming film or programme.

Uncommon· #2075

From Middle English trailen

From Old French trailler (“to tow; pick up the scent of a quarry”)

From Vulgar Latin *tragulāre (“to drag”)

From Latin tragula (“dragnet, javelin thrown by a strap”), probably related to Latin trahere (“to pull, drag along”).