Prēd'a-to-ry, a.

a. [Lat. prædatorius, from præda, prey; It. predatorio.] 1. Characterized by plundering; practicing rapine; plundering; pillaging; as, a predatory excursion; a predatory party. A predatory war commenced. Macaulay. 2. Hungry; ravenous; as, predatory spirits or appetite. Bacon.