v. & n.
--v. (trod; trodden or trod)
1. intr. (often foll. by on) a set down one's foot; walk or step (do not tread on the grass; trod on a snail). b (of the foot) be set down.
2 tr. a walk on. b (often foll. by down) press or crush with the feet.
3 tr. perform (steps etc.) by walking (trod a few paces).
4 tr. make (a hole etc.) by treading.
5 intr. (foll. by on) suppress; subdue mercilessly.
6 tr. make a track with (dirt etc.) from the feet.
7 tr. (often foll. by in, into) press down into the ground with the feet (trod dirt into the carpet).
8 tr. (also absol.) (of a male bird) copulate with (a hen).
--n.
1. a manner or sound of walking (recognized the heavy tread).
2 (in full tread-board) the top surface of a step or stair.
3 the thick moulded part of a vehicle tyre for gripping the road.
4 a the part of a wheel that touches the ground or rail. b the part of a rail that the wheels touch.
5 the part of the sole of a shoe that rests on the ground.
6 (of a male bird) copulation.
Phrases and idioms:
tread the boards (or stage) be an actor; appear on the stage. tread on air see AIR. tread on a person's toes offend a person or encroach on a person's privileges etc. tread out
1. stamp out (a fire etc.).
2 press out (wine or grain) with the feet. tread water maintain an upright position in the water by moving the feet with a walking movement and the hands with a downward circular motion. tread-wheel a treadmill or similar appliance.
Derivatives:
treader n.
Etymology: OE tredan f. WG