1. n.1 the main stem of a herbaceous plant.
2 the slender attachment or support of a leaf, flower, fruit, etc.
3 a similar support for an organ etc. in an animal.
4 a slender support or linking shaft in a machine, object, etc., e.g. the stem of a wineglass.
5 the tall chimney of a factory etc.
Phrases and idioms:
stalk-eyed (of crabs, snails, etc.) having the eyes mounted on stalks.
Derivatives:
stalked adj. (also in comb.). stalkless adj. stalklet n. stalklike adj. stalky adj.
Etymology: ME stalke, prob. dimin. of (now dial.) stale rung of a ladder, long handle, f. OE stalu 2. v. & n.
--v.
1. a tr. pursue or approach (game or an enemy) stealthily. b intr. steal up to game under cover.
2 intr. stride, walk in a stately or haughty manner.
--n.
1. the stalking of game.
2 an imposing gait.
Phrases and idioms:
stalking-horse
1. a horse behind which a hunter is concealed.
2 a pretext concealing one's real intentions or actions.
Derivatives:
stalker n. (also in comb.).
Etymology: OE f. Gmc, rel. to STEAL