trail

Definition

To follow behind (someone or something); to tail (someone or something).

Etymology

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”).

Example Sentences

• "The hunters trailed their prey deep into the woods."
• "You'll get your coat all muddy if you trail it around like that."
• "Our little life is but a gust That bends the branches of thy tree, And trails its blossoms in the dust!"