tread

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   mate with

   male birds tread the females

2. 2
   verb

   crush as if by treading on

   tread grapes to make wine

3. 3
   verb

   put down or press the foot, place the foot

   For fools rush in where angels fear to tread

4. 4
   verb

   To step or walk (on or across something); to trample.

   He trod back and forth wearily.

5. 5
   verb

   To step or walk upon.

   Actors tread the boards.

6. 6
   verb

   To proceed, to behave (in a certain manner).

   to tread lightly, to tread gently

7. 7
   verb

   To beat or press with the feet.

   to tread a path; to tread land when too light; a well-trodden path

8. 8
   verb

   To work a lever, treadle, etc., with the foot or the feet.

   Round about them was a circle of girls and wives of the neighbouring tenants; "they trod the spinning-wheels with diligent feet, or were using the scraping carding-combs," as an author has it.

Etymology

From Middle English treden, from Old English tredan, from Proto-West Germanic *tredan, from Proto-Germanic *trudaną.