Trait, n.
Etymology: [F., fr. L. tractus, fr. trahere to draw. See Trace, v., and cf. Tract a region, Trace a strap, Tret.]
1. A stroke; a touch. By this single trait Homer makes an essential difference between the Iliad and Odyssey. Broome.
2. A distinguishing or marked feature; a peculiarity; as, a trait of character.
Note: Formerly pronounced tra, as in French, and still so pronounced to some extent in England.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for trait; he lists it under characteristic.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.