stalking-horse Meaning, Definition & Usage
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noun a candidate put forward to divide the Opposition or to mask the true candidate
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noun something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason
pretext.
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noun screen consisting of a figure of a horse behind which a hunter hides while stalking game
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noun a horse behind which a hunter hides while stalking game
WordNet
Stalk"ing-horse noun
Definitions
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A horse, or a figure resembling a horse, behind which a hunter conceals himself from the game he is aiming to kill. -
Fig.: Something used to cover up a secret project; a mask; a pretense. Hypocrisy is the devil's stalking-horse under an affectation of simplicity and religion. L'Estrange.
How much more abominable is it to make of him [Christ] and religion a stalking-horse, to get and enjoy the world! Bunyan.