Beast of prey

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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