tread

He trod back and forth wearily.

Actors tread the boards.

to tread lightly, to tread gently

to tread a path; to tread land when too light; a well-trodden path

Round about them was a circle of girls and wives of the neighbouring tenants; "they trod the spinning-wheels with diligent feet, or were using the scraping carding-combs," as an author has it.

I am resolved to forsake Malta, tread a pilgrimage to fair Jerusalem.

Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.

When Turtles tread, and Rookes and Dawes,

And Maidens bleach their summer smockes:

Thus, a poultry-breeder describes a hen (colored Dorking) crowing like a cock, only somewhat more harshly, as a cockerel crows, and with an enormous comb, larger than is ever seen in the male. This bird used to try to tread her fellow-hens.