| 释义 |
stealthy, a.|ˈstɛlθɪ|
[f. stealth + -y.]
Of movement or action: Taking place by stealth; calculated to elude observation; proceeding by imperceptible degrees; furtive. Of persons or things: Moving or acting by stealth or secretly; furtive in movement or action; stealing on by imperceptible degrees.
1605Shakes. Macb. ii. i. 54 Wither'd Murder..With his stealthy pace..towards his designe Moues like a Ghost. 1728–46Thomson Spring 689 With stealthy wing..Amid a neighbouring bush they silent drop. 1841Dickens Barn. Rudge lxxi, There was much stealthy going in and out. 1856Froude Hist. Eng. II. 240 The stealthy evil crept on irresistibly. 1865Kingsley Herew. xiii, Casting stealthy glances at the fen, to see if the mysterious mare was still there. 1876Freeman Norm. Conq. V. xxiv. 461 A series of gradual and stealthy encroachments on the rights of the people. 1907J. H. Patterson Man-Eaters of Tsavo xv. 169, I saw a jackal come up on its trail..not even rustling a fallen leaf in its stealthy advance on the poor little antelope. 1910Solitary Summer 76 Turning my head to watch a stealthy cat.
Comb.1839–52Bailey Festus 320 The dashing dog, and stealthy-stepping cat.
Hence ˈstealthiness.
1837Carlyle Fr. Rev. III. i. vii, Dumouriez..started from brief slumber at Sedan,..with stealthiness, with promptitude, audacity. 1869Spurgeon Treas. Dav. Ps. x. 9 I. 126 The cunning of the lion, and of the huntsman, as well as the stealthiness of the robber. |