Tread, v. t.
1. To step or walk on.
Forbid to tread the promised land he saw. --Prior.
Methought she trod the ground with greater grace. --Dryden.
2. To beat or press with the feet; as, to tread a path; to tread land when too light; a well-trodden path.
3. To go through or accomplish by walking, dancing, or the like. “ I am resolved to forsake Malta, tread a pilgrimage to fair Jerusalem.”
They have measured many a mile,
To tread a measure with you on this grass. --Shak.
4. To crush under the foot; to trample in contempt or hatred; to subdue.
Through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us. --Ps. xliv. 5.
5. To copulate with; to feather; to cover; -- said of the male bird.
To tread out, to press out with the feet; to press out, as wine or wheat; as, to tread out grain with cattle or horses.
To tread the stage, to act as a stageplayer; to perform a part in a drama.