— stampeder , n.
/stam peed"/ , n. , v. , stampeded, stampeding .
n.
1. a sudden, frenzied rush or headlong flight of a herd of frightened animals, esp. cattle or horses.
2. any headlong general flight or rush.
3. Western U.S. , Canada. a celebration, usually held annually, combining a rodeo, contests, exhibitions, dancing, etc.
v.i.
4. to scatter or flee in a stampede: People stampeded from the burning theater.
5. to make a general rush: On hearing of the sale, they stampeded to the store.
v.t.
6. to cause to stampede.
7. to rush or overrun (a place): Customers stampeded the stores.
[ 1815-25, Amer.; estampida, Sp, equiv. to estamp ( ar ) to stamp + -ida n. suffix ]