Prey /(?)/

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.

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.

   Already sees herself the monster's prey.

3. The act of devouring other creatures; ravage.

   Hog in sloth, fox in stealth, . . . lion in prey.

imp. & p. p. Preyed; p. pr. & vb. n. Preying

1. To take booty; to gather spoil; to ravage; to take food by violence.

   More pity that the eagle should be mewed, While kites and buzzards prey at liberty.