— hiker , n.
/huyk/ , v. , hiked, hiking , n.
v.i.
1. to walk or march a great distance, esp. through rural areas, for pleasure, exercise, military training, or the like.
2. to move up or rise, as out of place or position (often fol. by up ): My shirt hikes up if I don't wear a belt.
3. Naut. to hold oneself outboard on the windward side of a heeling sailboat to reduce the amount of heel.
v.t.
4. to move, draw, or raise with a jerk (often fol. by up ): to hike up one's socks.
5. to increase, often sharply and unexpectedly: to hike the price of milk.
n.
6. a long walk or march for recreational activity, military training, or the like.
7. an increase or rise, often sharp and unexpected: a hike in wages.
8. take a hike , Slang. to go away because one's company is not desired.
[ 1800-10; perh. dial. var. of HITCH 1 ]
Syn. 1. tramp, ramble, trek, trudge, backpack.