Pur*suit" (?), n. [F. poursuite, fr. poursuivre. See Pursue, v. t.]
1.
The act of following or going after; esp., a following with haste, either for sport or in hostility; chase; prosecution; as, the pursuit of game; the pursuit of an enemy.
Clarendon.
Weak we are, and can not shun pursuit.
Shak.
2.
A following with a view to reach, accomplish, or obtain; endeavor to attain to or gain; as, the pursuit of knowledge; the pursuit of happiness or pleasure.
3.
Course of business or occupation; continued employment with a view to same end; as, mercantile pursuits; a literary pursuit.
4. Law
Prosecution.
[Obs.]
That pursuit for tithes ought, and of ancient time did pertain to the spiritual court.
Fuller.
Curve of pursuit Geom., a curve described by a point which is at each instant moving towards a second point, which is itself moving according to some specified law.
© Webster 1913.