ˈdeer-ˌstalker
[See stalk v.]
1. One who stalks deer; a sportsman who furtively approaches the deer, so as to get within shooting-distance without being discovered.
| 1830–35 D. Booth Analyt. Dict. Eng. Lang. 257 In the woodcraft of former times, many devices for catching deer were employed by the deer stalkers. 1833 Chamber's Jrnl. 19 Oct. 298/1 One who really knew the mountains well, having been an incorrigible deer-stalker. 1875 J. H. Bennet Winter Medit. i. vii. 189 Reached by Scottish deer-stalkers and hardy mountaineers. 1885 Black White Heather ii, The smartest deer-stalker and the best trainer of dogs in Sutherlandshire. |
2. Name given to a low-crowned close-fitting hat fit to be worn by deer-stalkers.
| 1881 Cheq. Career 135 In the winter a ‘billycock’ or ‘deer-stalker’ is considered quite dressy enough. |
So ˈdeer-ˌstalking vbl. n.
| 1816 Scott Bl. Dwarf ii, On his return from deer-stalking. 1885 New Bk. Sports 20 There is no sport in the world about which more nonsense is talked than deer-stalking. 1885 Black White Heather i, Clad in a smart deer-stalking costume. |