from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Trip \Trip\, v. t.
1. To cause to stumble, or take a false step; to cause to
lose the footing, by striking the feet from under; to
cause to fall; to throw off the balance; to supplant; --
often followed by up; as, to trip up a man in wrestling.
[1913 Webster]
The words of Hobbes's defense trip up the heels of
his cause. --Abp.
Bramhall.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Fig.): To overthrow by depriving of support; to put an
obstacle in the way of; to obstruct; to cause to fail.
[1913 Webster]
To trip the course of law, and blunt the sword.
--Shak.
[1913 Webster]
3. To detect in a misstep; to catch; to convict; also called
{trip up}. [R.]
[1913 Webster]
These her women can trip me if I err. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
4. (Naut.)
(a) To raise (an anchor) from the bottom, by its cable or
buoy rope, so that it hangs free.
(b) To pull (a yard) into a perpendicular position for
lowering it.
[1913 Webster]
5. (Mach.) To release, let fall, or set free, as a weight or
compressed spring, as by removing a latch or detent; to
activate by moving a release mechanism, often
unintentionally; as, to trip an alarm.
[1913 Webster +PJC]