Per`se*cu"tion (?), n. [F.
persécution, L. persecutio.] 1.
The act or practice of persecuting; especially, the infliction of
loss, pain, or death for adherence to a particular creed or mode of
worship.
Persecution produces no sincere
conviction.
Paley.
2. The state or condition of being
persecuted. Locke.
3. A carrying on; prosecution.
[Obs.]