Obs. Also -sent, -cent: see SCENT sb. [f. TRAIN sb.1 7 or v.1 1 + SCENT sb.] Something ‘trained’ or dragged along the ground to make a scent for hounds to follow (= TRAIN sb.1 7); the sport of exercising hounds and horses by means of this (usu. in phr. to hunt or run a train-scent).
1603. T. M., Progr. Jas. I., E iij. There was prouided train-cents, and liue haires in baskets, being carried to the heath, that made excellent sport for his Maiestie.
1638. Brome, Antipodes, I. vi. They hunt trayne-sents with Oxen, and plow with Dogges.
1681. Lond. Gaz., No. 1608/4. There will be also a Plate given for Hounds running a Train-scent of four Miles.
1686. N. Cox, Gentl. Recreat., IV. (ed. 2), 93. Be careful to preserve his Speed till the last Train-scent.
