Stampede

n. [Sp. & Pr. estampeda, a crackling, It. stampita, from Pr. estampir, to resound, from L. Ger. & D. stampen, to stamp the ground with one's feet. See STAMP.] A sudden fright seizing upon large bodies of cattle or horses, in droves or encampments on the prairies, and leading them to run for many miles, until they often sink down or die under their terrors; hence, any sudden flight in consequence of a panic.