stalking-horse Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a candidate put forward to divide the Opposition or to mask the true candidate
  2. noun something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason
    pretext.
  3. noun screen consisting of a figure of a horse behind which a hunter hides while stalking game
  4. noun a horse behind which a hunter hides while stalking game

WordNet


Stalk"ing-horse noun
Definitions
  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.

Webster 1913