Crossword Genius

The kind of blazer for a pioneer (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

trail

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'a pioneer' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'the kind of blazer' is the wordplay.
'the' becomes 't' (the is pronounced as a 't' sound in some dialects).
'kind of blazer' becomes 'rail' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
't'+'rail'='TRAIL'

'for' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for trail that I've seen before include "Beaten path; be in losing position" , "Rough track blazed through wild or hilly country" , "Rough path" , "Path or track through wild or hilly country" , "Drop behind" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
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