The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Prey \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.
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And they brought the captives, and the prey, and the
spoil, unto Moses, and Eleazar the priest. --Num. xxxi.
12.
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2. That which is or may be seized by animals or birds to be
devoured; hence, a person given up as a victim.
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The old lion perisheth for lack of prey. --Job iv.
ii.
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Already sees herself the monster's prey. --Dryden.
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3. The act of devouring other creatures; ravage.
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Hog in sloth, fox in stealth, . . . lion in prey.
--Shak.
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Beast of prey, a carnivorous animal; one that feeds on the
flesh of other animals.
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