Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Prowl \Prowl\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Prowled}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Prowling}.] [OE. prollen to search about; of uncertain
   origin, perh. for proglen, a dim. of prog to beg, or proke to
   poke. Cf. {Proke}.]
   1. To rove over, through, or about in a stealthy manner;
      esp., to search in, as for prey or booty.

            He prowls each place, still in new colors decked. --
                                                  Sir P. Sidney.

   2. To collect by plunder; as, to prowl money. [Obs.]

Prowl \Prowl\, v. i.
   To rove or wander stealthily, esp. for prey, as a wild beast;
   hence, to prey; to plunder.

Prowl \Prowl\, n.
   The act of prowling. [Colloq.] --Smart.

Source : WordNet®

prowl
     n : the act of prowling (walking about in a stealthy manner)
     v 1: move about in or as if in a predatory manner; "The
          suspicious stranger prowls the streets of the town"
     2: loiter about, with no apparent aim [syn: {lurch}]