v. & n.
--v.
1. intr. make a journey by sea calling at a series of ports usu. according to a predetermined plan, esp. for pleasure.
2 intr. sail about without a precise destination.
3 intr. a (of a motor vehicle or aircraft) travel at a moderate or economical speed. b (of a vehicle or its driver) travel at random, esp. slowly.
4 intr. achieve an objective, win a race etc., with ease.
5 intr. & tr. sl. walk or drive about (the streets etc.) in search of a sexual (esp. homosexual) partner.
--n. a cruising voyage, esp. as a holiday.
Phrases and idioms:
cruise missile one able to fly at a low altitude and guide itself by reference to the features of the region it traverses. cruising speed a comfortable and economical speed for a motor vehicle, below its maximum speed.
Etymology: prob. f. Du. kruisen f. kruis CROSS