from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Tread \Tread\, v. t.
1. To step or walk on.
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Forbid to tread the promised land he saw. --Prior.
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Methought she trod the ground with greater grace.
--Dryden.
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2. To beat or press with the feet; as, to tread a path; to
tread land when too light; a well-trodden path.
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3. To go through or accomplish by walking, dancing, or the
like. " I am resolved to forsake Malta, tread a pilgrimage
to fair Jerusalem." --Beau. & Fl.
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They have measured many a mile,
To tread a measure with you on this grass. --Shak.
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4. To crush under the foot; to trample in contempt or hatred;
to subdue.
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Through thy name will we tread them under that rise
up against us. --Ps. xliv. 5.
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5. To copulate with; to feather; to cover; -- said of the
male bird. --Chaucer.
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{To tread out}, to press out with the feet; to press out, as
wine or wheat; as, to tread out grain with cattle or
horses.
{To tread the stage}, to act as a stageplayer; to perform a
part in a drama.
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