prey

n. [ OF. preie, F. proie, L. praeda, probably for praeheda. See Prehensile, and cf. Depredate, Predatory. ] Anything, as goods, etc., taken or got by violence; anything taken by force from an enemy in war; spoil; booty; plunder. [ 1913 Webster ]

And they brought the captives, and the prey, and the spoil, unto Moses, and Eleazar the priest. Num. xxxi. 12. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which is or may be seized by animals or birds to be devoured; hence, a person given up as a victim. [ 1913 Webster ]

The old lion perisheth for lack of prey. Job iv. ii. [ 1913 Webster ]

Already sees herself the monster's prey. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The act of devouring other creatures; ravage. [ 1913 Webster ]

Hog in sloth, fox in stealth, . . . lion in prey. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Beast of prey, a carnivorous animal; one that feeds on the flesh of other animals. [ 1913 Webster ]