noun
quarry
An animal or person being hunted or pursued.
The hawk circles overhead, keeping its quarry in sight.
Etymology
The older hunting word referred to the entrails or reward given to hounds. The name later shifted to the animal pursued and then to any pursued target.
More examples
- The detective follows her quarry through the crowded station.
- The fox loses its quarry when the rabbit slips underground.
- Deer are the hunters’ main quarry this season.
Forms
quarry · quarries