stealth Meaning, Definition & Usage

Stealth noun

Etymology

OE. staple. See Steal, v. t.

Definitions

1. The act of stealing; theft. Obs.

   The owner proveth the stealth to have been committed upon him by such an outlaw. Spenser.

2. The thing stolen; stolen property. Obs. "Sluttish dens . . . serving to cover stealths." Sir W. Raleigh.
3. The bringing to pass anything in a secret or concealed manner; a secret procedure; a clandestine practice or action; -- in either a good or a bad sense.

   Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame. Pope.

   The monarch, blinded with desire of wealth, With steel invades the brother's life by stealth. Dryden.

   I told him of your stealth unto this wood. Shak.