Pur*sue" , v. i. 1. To
go in pursuit; to follow.
The wicked flee when no
man pursueth.
Prov. xxviii.
1. Men hotly pursued after the objects of their ambition.
Earle. 2. To go on; to proceed, especially in argument or discourse; to continue.
[A Gallicism]
I have,
pursues Carneades, wondered chemists should not consider.
Boyle.
3. (Law) To follow a matter judicially, as a complaining party; to act
as a prosecutor. Burrill.
Pur*sue" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pursued (?);
p. pr. & vb. n.
Pursuing.]
[OE. pursuen, porsuen, OF. porsivre, poursuivre, poursuir,
F. poursuivre, fr. L.
prosequi; pro forward + sequi to follow. See Sue, and cf. Prosecute, Pursuivant.] 1. To follow with a view to overtake; to follow eagerly, or with haste; to chase; as,
to pursue a hare.
We happiness pursue; we fly from pain.
Prior. The
happiness of men lies in purswing,
Not in possessing.
Longfellow. 2. To seek; to use or adopt measures to obtain; as,
to pursue a remedy at law.
The fame of ancient matrons you pursue.
Dryden.
3. To proceed along, with a view to some and or object; to
follow; to go in; as, Captain Cook pursued a new route; the administration
pursued a wise course.
4. To prosecute; to be engaged
in; to continue. " Insatiate to pursue vain war." Milton.
5. To follow as
an example; to imitate.
6. To follow with enmity; to persecute; to call to account.
The servant is not greater than his lord. If they
have pursued me, they shall pursue you also.
Wyclif (John
xv. 20). Syn. -- To follow; chase; seek; persist. See Follow.
Hear it pronounced