Collins English-English Dictionary

stalk [stɔːk]

1. 1. n the main stem of a herbaceous plant

2. 2. n any of various subsidiary plant stems, such as a leafstalk (petiole) or flower stalk (peduncle)

3. 3. n a slender supporting structure in animals such as crinoids and certain protozoans, coelenterates, and barnacles

4. 4. n any long slender supporting shaft or column

5. 5. n [Etymology] C14: probably a diminutive formed from Old English stalu upright piece of wood; related to Old Frisian staal handle

stalk [stɔːk]

1. 1. vb to follow or approach (game, prey, etc) stealthily and quietly

2. 2. vb to pursue persistently and, sometimes, attack (a person with whom one is obsessed, often a celebrity)

3. 3. vb to spread over (a place) in a menacing or grim manner

   fever stalked the camp

4. 4. vi. [intr] to walk in a haughty, stiff, or threatening way

   he stalked out in disgust

5. 5. vi. to search or draw (a piece of land) for prey

6. 6. n the act of stalking

7. 7. n a stiff or threatening stride

8. 8. n [Etymology] Old English bestealcian to walk stealthily; related to Middle Low German stolkeren, Danish stalke