prowl

Etymology

From Middle English prollen, of unknown origin.

verb

1. (transitive, intransitive) To rove over, through, or about in a stealthy manner; especially, to search in, as for prey or booty.
   Watch the lioness prowling in the shrubbery for zebras.
   It's easy to sneak vandalism into Wiktionary as there are few other users prowling the Recent Changes page.
   While McCarthy prowled the touchline barking orders, his opposite number watched on motionless and expressionless and, with 25 minutes to go, decided to throw on Nicolas Anelka for Kalou. January 5, 2011, Mark Ashenden, “Wolverhampton 1 - 0 Chelsea”, in BBC
2. (intransitive) To idle; to go about aimlessly.
   That dandy has nothing better to do than prowl around town all day in his pinstripe suit.
3. (transitive, obsolete) To collect by plunder.
   to prowl money

noun

1. (colloquial) The act of prowling.
   I'm going on a midnight prowl.