01 n. Anything, as goods, etc., taken or got by violence; anything taken by force from an enemy in war; spoil; booty; plunder.
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1.
Anything, as goods, etc., taken or got by violence; anything taken by force from an enemy in war; spoil; booty; plunder.“And they brought the captives, and the prey, and the spoil, unto Moses, and Eleazar the priest.” — Num. xxxi. 12.
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2.
That which is or may be seized by animals or birds to be devoured; hence, a person given up as a victim.“The old lion perisheth for lack of prey.” — Job iv. ii.“Already sees herself the monster's prey.” — Dryden.
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3.
The act of devouring other creatures; ravage.“Hog in sloth, fox in stealth, . . . lion in prey.” — Shak.
Phrases & compounds
Beast of prey —
a carnivorous animal; one that feeds on the flesh of other animals.