Stalk"ing-horse (?), n.

1.

A horse, or a figure resembling a horse, behind which a hunter conceals himself from the game he is aiming to kill.

2.

Fig.: Something used to cover up a secret project; a mask; a pretense.

Hypocrisy is the devil's stalking-horse under an affectation of simplicity and religion. L'Estrange.

How much more abominable is it to make of him [Christ] and religion a stalking-horse, to get and enjoy the world! Bunyan.

 

© Webster 1913.

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