'Beast of prey' definitions:

Definition of 'Beast of prey'

From: GCIDE

Prey \Prey\, n. [OF. preie, F. proie, L. praeda, probably for praeheda. See Prehensile, and cf. Depredate, Predatory.] Anything, as goods, etc., taken or got by violence; anything taken by force from an enemy in war; spoil; booty; plunder. [1913 Webster]
And they brought the captives, and the prey, and the spoil, unto Moses, and Eleazar the priest. --Num. xxxi. 12. [1913 Webster]
2. That which is or may be seized by animals or birds to be devoured; hence, a person given up as a victim. [1913 Webster]
The old lion perisheth for lack of prey. --Job iv. ii. [1913 Webster]
Already sees herself the monster's prey. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
3. The act of devouring other creatures; ravage. [1913 Webster]
Hog in sloth, fox in stealth, . . . lion in prey. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
Beast of prey, a carnivorous animal; one that feeds on the flesh of other animals. [1913 Webster]