Prowling

/ˈpraʊlɪŋ/ verb

Definition

Moving around quietly and carefully, often to hunt or spy on someone without being noticed.

Etymology

From Old French 'proler' (to prowl), possibly from 'pro-' (forward) combined with a root suggesting movement. The '-ing' suffix makes it a present participle.

Kelly Says

Cats prowl and so do burglars, but the word perfectly captures the predatory stealth both share—interestingly, security systems are often called 'prowler lights' because they detect anything moving suspiciously, borrowing the hunting metaphor.

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