Stalk″ing–horse@′ (@sta̤k″ĭng–hôrs′), n. 1. A horse, or a figure resembling a horse, behind which a hunter conceals himself from the game he is aiming to kill.
2. Fig.: Something used to cover up a secret project; a mask; a pretense.
Hypocrisy is the devil's stalking-horse under an affectation of simplicity and religion. L'Estrange.
How much more abominable is it to make of him and religion a stalking-horse, to get and enjoy the world! Bunyan.