Prize1, n.
n. [Fr. prise, from pris, p. p. of prendre, to take, Lat. prendere, prehendere; Pr. prisa, presa, preza, Sp., Pg., & It. presa; D. prijs, Dan. pris, Sw. pris, O. Ger. preis. Cf. PRICE and PRAISE.]
Sense 1. That which is taken from another; something captured; a thing seized by force, stratagem, or superior power.
Then prostrate falls, and begs, with ardent eyes, Soon to obtain, and long possess, the prize. Pope.
Sense 2. Hence, specifically, (a.) (Law.) Any thing captured by a belligerent using the right of war; especially, a captured vessel; any property captured at sea in virtue of the rights of war. Kent. New. Am. Cyc. Brande. (b.) That which is obtained against the competition of others; any thing carried off as the result or award of a contest; the thing striven for; and hence, any thing offered to be competed for, or as the inducement to or reward of effort.
I will never wrestle for prize. Shak.
I fought and conquered, yet have lost the prize. Dryden. (c.) That which is won in a lottery.
Sense 3. Hence, any thing worth striving for; a valuable possession held or in prospect.
Sense 4. A strife for a reward; contest; struggle; competition. [Obs.] Browne.