Pur-sūit', n.

(-sūt', 30), n. [Fr. poursuite, from poursuivre. See supra.] 1. The act of following or going after; a following with haste, either for sport or in hostility; as, the pursuit of game; the pursuit of an enemy. 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. That pursuit for tithes ought, and of ancient time did pertain to the spiritual court. Fuller.

3. Course of business or occupation; continued employment with a view to some end; as, mercantile pursuits; literary pursuits.
4. Continuance of endeavor; prosecution.

He concluded with sighs and tears to conjure them that they would no more press him to give his consent to a thing so contrary to his reason, . . . and that they would give over further pursuit of it. Clarendon.