c. 1600, "one who educates or instructs," agent noun from train (v.). Meaning "one who prepares another for feats requiring physical fitness" is from 1823, originally of horse-trainers.
Entries linking to trainer
train v.
"to discipline, teach, bring to a desired state by means of instruction," 1540s, probably from earlier sense of "draw out and manipulate in order to bring to a desired form" (late 14c.), specifically of the growth of branches, vines, etc. from mid-15c.; from train (n.). Sense of "point or aim" (a firearm, etc.) is from 1841. Sense of "fit oneself for a performance by a regimen or exercise" is from 1832. The meaning "to travel by railway" is recorded from 1856. Related: Trained; training.