stalking horse

[ staw-king hawrs ]

noun

1. a horse, or a figure of a horse, behind which a hunter hides in stalking game.
2. anything put forward to mask plans or efforts; pretext.
3. a political candidate used to conceal the candidacy of a more important figure or to draw votes from and cause the defeat of a rival.

stalking-horse

noun

1. a horse or an imitation one used by a hunter to hide behind while stalking his quarry
2. something serving as a means of concealing plans; pretext
3. a candidate put forward by one group to divide the opposition or mask the candidacy of another person for whom the stalking-horse would then withdraw

Word History and Origins

Origin of stalking horse¹

First recorded in 1510–20

Example Sentences

It does not have an initial offer in hand, known in bankruptcy parlance as a stalking-horse bidder, which sets a minimum price other suitors can top in an auction.

From Reuters

The approved marketing and sales process allows for a stalking-horse bid - a starting bid for any auction - and for the sale to the highest bidder of some or all of the Citgo parent's shares.

From Reuters

In 2004, Roberts was accused of bribing a stalking-horse candidate to siphon primary votes from a Democratic challenger.

From Salon

Originally rumored to be the first, or so-called stalking-horse, bidder, Mr. Ben-Avraham said that he had decided to wait until he had all his financing in place.

From New York Times

But when it came to pressuring politicians and other groups to jump-start arena plans, he couldn’t have been better placed had the NHL been paying him as a stalking-horse consultant all along.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• also-ran
• long shot
• sleeper
• underdog