Pros"e*cute , v. i. 1. To
follow after.
[Obs.]
Latimer.
2. (Law) To institute and carry on
a legal prosecution; as, to prosecute for public offenses.
Blackstone.
Pros"e*cute (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prosecuted (?);
p. pr. & vb. n.
Prosecuting.]
[L. prosecutus, p. p. of
prosequi to follow, pursue. See Pursue.]
1. To follow or
pursue with a view to reach, execute, or accomplish; to endeavor to obtain or
complete; to carry on; to continue; as, to prosecute a scheme, hope, or claim.
I am beloved Hermia;
Why should not I, then,
prosecute my right ?
Shak.
2. To seek to obtain by legal process; as, to prosecute a right or a claim in a court of law.
3. (Law) To pursue with the intention of punishing; to accuse of some crime or
breach of law, or to pursue for redress or punishment, before a legal tribunal; to proceed against judicially; as, to prosecute a man for trespass, or for a riot.
To acquit themselves and prosecute their foes.
Milton.
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