trample

Definition

To crush something by walking on it.

Etymology

From Middle English tramplen, trampelen (“to walk heavily”), equivalent to tramp + -le. Cognate with Saterland Frisian trampelje (“to trample”), Dutch trampelen (“to trample”), German Low German trampeln (“to trample”), German trampeln (“to trample”).

Example Sentences

• "to trample grass or flowers"
• "Our conquering ſwords ſhal marſhal vs the way UUe vſe to martch vpon the ſlaughtered foe: Trampling their bowels with our horſes hoofes: […]"
• "neither caſt ye your pearles before ſwine: leſt they trample them vnder their feete, […]"