train / towline
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train
The long back part of a formal dress, coat, or cloak that lies on the floor and trails behind.
Das Brautkleid hatte eine beeindruckende, mehrere Meter lange Schleppe.
The wedding dress had an impressive train several meters long.
towline
A strong rope or chain used to pull another vehicle, especially a ship.
Das manövrierunfähige Schiff wurde von einem Schlepper mit einer dicken Schleppe in den Hafen gezogen.
The ship that could no longer maneuver was pulled into the harbor by a tugboat with a thick towline.
Both meanings of 'die Schleppe' (train/towline) derive from the verb 'schleppen' (to drag/haul), which means 'to pull something heavy' or 'to drag something behind oneself.' In one case, part of a dress is dragged along; in the other, an entire ship is pulled.
Die Kinder mussten helfen, die lange Schleppe des Brautkleides zu tragen.
The children had to help carry the long train of the wedding dress.
You can easily recognize the meaning from the context. Words like 'Kleid' (dress), 'Hochzeit' (wedding), or 'Mode' (fashion) point to the clothing part. Words like 'Schiff' (ship), 'Hafen' (harbor), 'Seil' (rope), or 'Schlepper' (tugboat) point to the rope used for pulling.
Ihr Ballkleid hatte eine elegante Schleppe aus Seide.
Her ball gown had an elegant silk train.
In maritime contexts, there is the fixed expression 'ein Schiff an die Schleppe nehmen' (to take a ship in tow). It means to pull or tow another ship with a rope.
Ein Rettungsboot nahm das Segelboot bei starkem Wind an die Schleppe.
A rescue boat took the sailboat in tow in strong winds.
