<p><strong>Verb (used without object):</strong></p><ul><li>to go or move in a stealthy or cautious manner.</li><li>to act cautiously or timidly, as if afraid to commit oneself on a point at issue.</li></ul><p><strong>Noun (plural: puss·y·foots):</strong></p><ul><li>a person with a catlike, or soft and stealthy, tread.</li><li>Chiefly British, a teetotaler or prohibitionist.</li></ul>