v. & n.
--v. (past strode; past part. stridden)
1. intr. & tr. walk with long firm steps.
2 tr. cross with one step.
3 tr. bestride; straddle.
--n.
1. a a single long step. b the length of this.
2 a person's gait as determined by the length of stride.
3 (usu. in pl.) progress (has made great strides).
4 a settled rate of progress (get into one's stride; be thrown out of one's stride).
5 (in pl.) sl. trousers.
6 the distance between the feet parted either laterally or as in walking.
Phrases and idioms:
take in one's stride
1. clear (an obstacle) without changing one's gait to jump.
2 manage without difficulty.
Derivatives:
strider n.
Etymology: OE stridan