To mark out upon the ground the lines of a field-work.n. n. The original position or place of a figure after that figure has been supposed to move: thus a circle is the closed line which will slide in its tracen. The intersection of a surface by a given line or surface: as, the trace of a liue is a point; the trace of a surface is a line.n. In angling, a short line or a length of gut by which the hook is attached to the reel-line; a snell; a snood; a leader.To draw; delineate; mark out, as on a map, chart, or plan; map out; design; sketch.To write, especially by a careful or laborious formation of the letters; form in writing.Specifically To copy, as a drawing or engraving, by following the lines and marking them on a superimposed sheet, through which they appear.To cover with traced lines, as with writing or tracery.To follow the track, trail, or path of; pursue: a general term, the verbs track and trail being more specific, as in hunting.To follow the course of by observation of the remains or vestiges; ascertain the position, course, contour, etc., of by noting and following the traces that exist.To observe traces or vestiges of; discover visible evidences or proofs of.To follow step by step: as, to trace the development of a plot: often with up, back, out.To make one's way through or along; traverse; thread; perambulate.To move; go; march; make one's way; travel.To step; pace; dance.n. The track left by a person or an animal walking or running over the ground or other surface, as snow or the like; footprints; the track, trail, or rut left by something which is drawn along, as a cart; the marks which indicate the course pursued by any moving thing.n. Hence, a track or path; a way.n. A token, indication, or sign of something that has passed over or away; a mark, impression, or visible evidence of something that has occurred or existed; a vestige.n. A small quantity; an insignificant proportion: as, tetradymite or telluride of bismuth usually contains traces of selenium.n. Train; procession.n. A step or series of steps; a measure in dancing.n. In fortification, the ground-plan of a work.n. In geometry, the intersection of a plane with one of the planes of projection.n. The record made by a self-registering instrument.n. Synonyms, , andn. Trace, Vestige. Trace is much broader than vestige. A vestige is something of the nature of signs or remains, very small in amount, showing that a thing has been in a certain place: as, not a vestige of the banquet remained. Trace may have this sense of a last faint mark or sign of previous existence or action; or it may stand for a very small amount of any sort: as, a trace of earthy matter in water; or it may stand for the sign, clue, or track by which pursuit may be made: as, to get upon the trace of game or of a fugitive.n. One of the two straps, ropes, or chains by which a carriage, wagon, or other vehicle is drawn by a harnessed horse or other draft-animal. See cut under harness.To hitch up; put in the traces.Nautical, a form of trice.