Definitions for: Stalking-horse


[n] a horse behind which a hunter hides while stalking game
[n] screen consisting of a figure of a horse behind which a hunter hides while stalking game
[n] something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason
[n] a candidate put forward to divide the opposition or to mask the true candidate



Webster (1913) Definition: Stalk"ing-horse, n.
1. A horse, or a figure resembling a horse, behind which a
hunter conceals himself from the game he is aiming to
kill.

2. Fig.: Something used to cover up a secret project; a mask;
a pretense.

Hypocrisy is the devil's stalking-horse under an
affectation of simplicity and religion.
--L'Estrange.

How much more abominable is it to make of him
[Christ] and religion a stalking-horse, to get and
enjoy the world! --Bunyan.

Synonyms: pretext

See Also: campaigner, candidate, concealment, cover, covert, dissembling, Equus caballus, feigning, horse, nominee, pretence, pretense, putoff, screen

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