preɪ n. & v. --n. 1 an
animal that is hunted or killed by
another for food. 2 (often foll. by to) a
person or
thing that is influenced by or
vulnerable to (something undesirable) (became a prey to
morbid fears). 3 Bibl. or
archaic plunder,
booty, etc. --v.intr. (foll. by
on, upon) 1
seek or
take as prey. 2
make a
victim of. 3 (of a
disease,
emotion, etc.)
exert a
harmful influence (fear preyed on
his mind). øbeast (or bird) of prey an animal (or bird)
which hunts animals for food. øøpreyer n. [ME f. OF preie f. L praeda booty]