Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913
Prowl
Prowl (proul), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prowled; p. pr. & vb. n. Prowling.] [OE. prollen to search about; of uncertain origin, perh. for proglen, a dim. of prog to beg, or proke to poke. Cf. Proke.] 1. To rove over, through, or about in a stealthy manner; esp., to search in, as for prey or booty.
He prowls each place, still in new colors decked. Sir P. Sidney.
2. To collect by plunder; as, to prowl money. [Obs.]
Prowl, v. i. To rove or wander stealthily, esp. for prey, as a wild beast; hence, to prey; to plunder.
Prowl, n. The act of prowling. [Colloq.] Smart.