Definition of tread

• v. i. - To set the foot; to step.
• v. i. - To walk or go; especially, to walk with a stately or a cautious step.
• v. i. - To copulate; said of birds, esp. the males.
• v. t. - To step or walk on.
• v. t. - To beat or press with the feet; as, to tread a path; to tread land when too light; a well-trodden path.
• v. t. - To go through or accomplish by walking, dancing, or the like.
• v. t. - To crush under the foot; to trample in contempt or hatred; to subdue.
• v. t. - To copulate with; to feather; to cover; -- said of the male bird.
• n. - A step or stepping; pressure with the foot; a footstep; as, a nimble tread; a cautious tread.
• n. - Manner or style of stepping; action; gait; as, the horse has a good tread.
• n. - Way; track; path.
• n. - The act of copulation in birds.
• n. - The upper horizontal part of a step, on which the foot is placed.
• n. - The top of the banquette, on which soldiers stand to fire over the parapet.
• n. - The part of a wheel that bears upon the road or rail.
• n. - The part of a rail upon which car wheels bear.
• n. - The chalaza of a bird's egg; the treadle.
• n. - A bruise or abrasion produced on the foot or ankle of a horse that interferes. See Interfere, 3.