Tread

[eberntson]

Tread is again one of those words that has many uses. As a verb, intransive verb, and as a noun. I find the verb and noun quite interesting, a tread is use on tires, stairs, a method of walking, bottom of shoes, etc.

A favorite quote for policy is "Tread lightly and carry a big stick."

Here is what Websters had to say:

Main Entry: 1tread
Pronunciation: \ˈtred\
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): trod \ˈträd\ also tread·ed; trod·den \ˈträ-dən\ or trod ; tread·ing
Etymology: Middle English treden, from Old English tredan; akin to Old High German tretan to tread
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1 a : to step or walk on or over b : to walk or proceed along : follow <treading a fine line between tradition and innovation> 2 a : to beat or press with the feet : trample b : to subdue or repress as if by trampling : crush 3 : to copulate with —used of a male bird 4 a : to form by treading : beat <tread a path> b : to execute by stepping or dancing <tread a measure>
intransitive verb
1 : to move or proceed on or as if on foot <must tread lightly> 2 a : to set foot <has gone where others fear to tread> b : to put one's foot : step <carelessly treading on the flowers> 3 : copulate
— tread·er noun
— tread on one's toes : to give offense (as by encroaching on one's rights or feelings)
— tread water : to keep the body nearly upright in the water and the head above water by a treading motion of the feet usually aided by the hands

[Perry Lassiter]

It may be my dirty mind, but I seized on the never thought of usage re birds copulating. If birds tread, they copulate? Where did that come from?

[Philip Hudson]

I can't find a poem that begins, "Tread softly Spring and make no sudden sound." I think it was written by Ruth Suckow. I have searched all my poetry books and Goggled the Internet. Can someone help me?

[Slava]

I can't find a poem that begins, "Tread softly Spring and make no sudden sound." I think it was written by Ruth Suckow. I have searched all my poetry books and Goggled the Internet. Can someone help me?

It's called Four Little Foxes and by Lew Sarrett.

http://www.all-creatures.org/poetry/ar-fourlittle.html

[Philip Hudson]

Thanks Slava. I don't know why I got the author wrong. I read this poem first when I was about twelve years old.