2. To beat or press with the feet; as, to tread a path; to tread land when too light; a well-trodden path.
3. To go through or accomplish by walking, dancing, or the like. " I am resolved to forsake Malta, tread a pilgrimage to fair Jerusalem." Beau. & Fl. They have measured many a mile, To tread a measure with you on this grass. Shak.
4. To crush under the foot; to trample in contempt or hatred; to
subdue.
Through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.
Ps. xliv. 5.
5. To copulate with; to feather; to cover; — said of the male bird. Chaucer. To tread out, to press out with the feet; to press out, as wine or wheat; as, to tread out grain with cattle or horses. — To tread the stage, to act as a stageplayer; to perform a part in a drama.
TREAD
Tread, n.
1. A step or stepping; pressure with the foot; a footstep; as, a nimble tread; a cautious tread. She is coming, my own, my sweet; Were it ever so airy a tread, My heart would hear her and beat. Tennyson.
2. Manner or style of stepping; action; gait; as, the horse has a good tread.
3. Way; track; path. [R.] Shak.
4. The act of copulation in birds.
5. (Arch.)