Definition of prowl

The origin of the word "prowl" can be traced back to the Old Norse word "prula," which means "to make asсліalling noises." This word was adopted into Middle English as "prowlen" and was associated with the actions of wild animals such as wolves and bears, who would make low growling or grunting sounds as they hunted for prey. In Middle English, "prowlen" also came to mean "to roam or search around in a sneaky or surreptitious way," referring to the stealthy movements of thieves and other criminals. This sense of the word was further reinforced by the fact that in Old Norse, "prula" also referred to the sound that water makes as it moves quietly along the shore, implying a sense of stealthy movement through dark or hidden places. Today, the word "prowl" is most commonly associated with the prowlings of animals, such as lions and tigers, as they hunt at night, as well as with the actions of police officers or other law enforcement officials as they patrol their beat in search of criminal activity. In all of these contexts, the word "prowl" evokes a sense of stealthiness, surreptitiousness, and quiet but potent movement through dark and mysterious spaces.