Definition of the word prowler

The word "prowler" originated in the mid-19th century as a navy term to describe a ship that crept stealthily along the coast or into enemy waters in order to scout or raid. The term was derived from the Low German word "praul", meaning "parrot" or "scavenger bird", as the original ships that served this purpose would often be hastily repurposed and camouflaged to blend in with their surroundings. As the use of warships for scouting and reconnaissance expanded to include land-based military operations, the term "prowler" came to be associated with soldiers, policemen, and other law enforcement officers who operate covertly, usually to gather intelligence or apprehend suspects undetected. In popular culture, the term is also commonly used to describe burglars, thieves, or other criminals who operate discreetly in the night. Today, the use of "prowler" to describe scouting ships has fallen out of common usage, with the term "patrol vessel" now preferred by naval authorities. Nonetheless, the general meaning of the word as it relates to covert operations persists in a variety of contexts.