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.
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913.