Pur-sūe'1, v. t.
v. t. [imp. & p. p. PURSUED; p. pr. & vb. n. PURSUING.] [Fr. poursuivre, O. Fr. poursuivre, poursuivir, porsevre, Sp. proseguir, It. proseguire, Lat. prosequi, from pro, forward, and sequi, to follow.]
Sense 1. To follow with a view to overtake; to follow with haste; to chase; as, to pursue a hare; to pursue an enemy.
We happiness pursue; we fly from pain. Prior.
Sense 2. To seek; to use measures to obtain; as, to pursue a remedy at law.
The fame of ancient matrons you pursue. Dryden.
Sense 3. To proceed along, with a view to some end or object; to follow; as, Captain Cook pursued a new and unexplored route; the new administration pursued the course of its predecessor.
Sense 4. To prosecute; to be engaged in; to continue; as, a stream pursues a southerly course to the ocean. “Insatiate to pursue vain war.” Milton.
Sense 5. To follow as an example; to imitate.
Sense 6. To follow with enmity; to persecute; to call to account.
Athenian law can not pursue us. Shak.
Synonyms—To follow; chase; seek; persist. See Follow.