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.
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.
