1. (v. i.) To set the foot; to step.

2. (v. i.) To walk or go; especially, to walk with a stately or a cautious step.

3. (v. i.) To copulate; said of birds, esp. the males.

4. (v. t.) To step or walk on.

5. (v. t.) To beat or press with the feet; as, to tread a path; to tread land when too light; a well-trodden path.

6. (v. t.) To go through or accomplish by walking, dancing, or the like.

7. (v. t.) To crush under the foot; to trample in contempt or hatred; to subdue.

8. (v. t.) To copulate with; to feather; to cover; -- said of the male bird.

9. (n.) A step or stepping; pressure with the foot; a footstep; as, a nimble tread; a cautious tread.

10. (n.) Manner or style of stepping; action; gait; as, the horse has a good tread.

11. (n.) Way; track; path.

12. (n.) The act of copulation in birds.

13. (n.) The upper horizontal part of a step, on which the foot is placed.

14. (n.) The top of the banquette, on which soldiers stand to fire over the parapet.

15. (n.) The part of a wheel that bears upon the road or rail.

16. (n.) The part of a rail upon which car wheels bear.

17. (n.) The chalaza of a bird's egg; the treadle.

18. (n.) A bruise or abrasion produced on the foot or ankle of a horse that interferes. See Interfere, 3.