drail

1 of 2

noun

ˈdrāl,
especially before pause or consonant -āəl
plural -s
1
: a hook with a lead-covered shank used in trolling for fish (as bluefish)
2
: a perforated iron projecting from the beam of a plow to which the horses are hitched

drail

2 of 2

verb

"
-ed/-ing/-s
: to fish by trolling with a drail

Word History

Etymology

Noun

from obsolete English drail to drag or trail along, perhaps alteration (influenced by draw & drag) of trail

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near drail

Cite this Entry

“Drail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drail. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!