v. & n.
--v.
1. tr. roam (a place) in search or as if in search of prey, plunder, etc.
2 intr. (often foll. by about, around) move about like a hunter.
--n. the act or an instance of prowling.
Phrases and idioms:
on the prowl moving about secretively or rapaciously, esp. in search of sexual contact etc. prowl car US a police squad car.
Derivatives:
prowler n.
Etymology: ME prolle, of unkn. orig.