Stālk1, n.
(stawk), n. [See infra.] A high, proud, stately step or walk. [Obs.] Spencer.
4 entries under this word
Stalk
Stalk2, n.
(stawk), n. [Icel. stilkr, Sw. stjelke, Dan. stilk, allied to A-S. stealc, staelc, high, steep.]
Sense 1. The stem or main axis of a plant; as, a stalk of wheat, rye, or oats; the stalks of maize or hemp.
Sense 2. The petiole, pedicel, or peduncle of a plant.
Sense 3. The stem of a quill. Grew.
Sense 4. (Arch.) An ornament in the Corinthian capital resembling the stalk of a plant, from which the volutes and helices spring.
Stalk3, v. i.
(stawk), v. i. [imp. & p. p. STALKED (stawkt); p. pr. & vb. n. STALKING.] [A-S. stælcan, stealcian, to go slowly, from stealc, stealc, high, elevated. Cf. Icel. stikla, to leap.]
Sense 1. To walk with high and proud steps; — usually implying the affectation of dignity, and hence the word usually expresses dislike. The poets, however, use the word to express dignity of step.
With manly mien he stalked along the ground. Dryden. Then stalking through the deep He fords the ocean. Addison.
Sense 2. To walk in a stealthy or sly manner.
Bertran Stalks close behind her, like a witch's fiend, Pressing to be employed. Dryden.
Sense 3. To walk behind something as a screen, for the purpose of taking game; to proceed under cover.
The king crept under the shoulder of his led horse, and said, “I must stalk.” Bacon.
Stalk4, v. t.
To approach under cover of a screen, or by stealth.
As for shooting a man from behind a wall, it is cruelty like to stalking a deer. W. Scott.