Crossword Genius

A trail possibly used by a cowboy (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lariat

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a cowboy' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

'a trail possibly' is the wordplay.
'possibly' indicates an anagram.
'a'+'trail'='atrail'
'atrail' anagrammed gives 'LARIAT'.

'used by' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lariat that I've seen before include "Long narrow ditch" , "A cowboy's rope for catching cattle" , "tethering-rope" , "Long rope with a noose at the end" , "Long noosed rope for catching animals" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.