\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.
Note: [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.