prosecutev.

Brit.

/ˈprɒsᵻkjuːt/, U.S.

/ˈprɑsəˌkjut/

Forms: late Middle English– prosecute, 1500s prosequte, 1500s prosequut, 1500s proseqwuit, 1500s–1600s presecute, 1500s–1600s prosequute, 1600s proceequit; Scottish pre-1700 procequute, pre-1700 prosecuit, pre-1700 prosecut, pre-1700 prosecutt, pre-1700 prosequeitt, pre-1700 prosequite, pre-1700 prosequut, pre-1700 prosequute, pre-1700 1700s– prosecute. Also past participle Scottish pre-1700 prosecuit, pre-1700 prosecut, pre-1700 prosecute, pre-1700 prosequat, pre-1700 prosequte, pre-1700 prosequute, pre-1700 prosequutt, pre-1700 prosocut.

Origin: A borrowing from Latin. Etymons: Latin prōsecūt-, prōsequī.

Etymology: < classical Latin prōsecūt-, past participial stem of prōsequī to follow, pursue, to follow up, continue with, to go on to describe, to pursue a claim for, to attend, accompany, to honour or present (a person) with, in post-classical Latin also to prosecute or proceed with a suit (4th cent.), to strive after (12th cent.) < prō- pro- prefix¹ + sequī to follow (see sequent adj.). Compare Middle French prosecuter to look for eagerly (c1370). Compare pursue v.In sense 7 probably by association with persecute v.

a. transitive. To continue with (a course of action, an undertaking, etc.) with a view to its accomplishment or completion; to follow up, pursue; to persevere or persist in.Now frequently with reference to the conduct of a war.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > continuing > following up, through, or prosecution > follow up, through, or out [verb (transitive)]

suec1325

pursuea1393

follow1425

pass1473

prosecute?a1475

ensue1509

convey1530

persecute1546

to follow on?1557

transact1636

to follow up1659

to follow up on1927

?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1874) V. 51 (MED) Origenes sende an epistole..preyenge and comfortenge his fader to prosecute [a1387 J. Trevisa tr. be stedefast and holde forþ; L. prosequi] that he hade begunne.

1509 J. Fisher Serm. Henry VIJ (de Worde) sig. Aij As this honorable audyence now is here assembled to prosecute the funeral obseruaunces [etc.].

1569 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1877) 1st Ser. I. 624 Quhill thai renew thair forceis and prosequute thair formair detestabill interpryise.

1614 W. Raleigh Hist. World i. iii. x. §12. 123 (heading) How the Armie..came into the Territorie of Sinope, and there prosequuted the same purpose.

a1649 W. Drummond Skiamachia in Wks. (1711) 192 That the late Articles of the Treaty of Peace..may be carefully and truly prosecute.

1676 J. Ray Corr. (1848) 126 If still you prosecute the same studies and inquiries.

1753 S. Richardson Hist. Sir Charles Grandison II. xxvii. 249 It would be the last time they should see him..; they being determined to prosecute their intended tour.

1772 R. Hurd Prophecies (1788) l. iii. 66 Intently prosecuting one entire scheme.

1819 W. Scott Bride of Lammermoor II. 192 Craigengelt..prosecuted his journey with all diligence.

1833 H. Coleridge Biographia Borealis 27 The Dutch war, commenced without necessity, and prosecuted..with ill-judged parsimony.

1874 W. B. Carpenter Princ. Mental Physiol. 1 This inquiry..has not until recently been systematically prosecuted.

1935 Gardeners' Chron. 23 Feb. 129/1 Investigation of diseases of turf of lawns and greens has been prosecuted in the U.S.A. for many years.

1940 J. Colville Diary 8 May in Fringes of Power (1985) 120 They will now be both obliged to reconstruct the Cabinet and to prosecute the war with greater vigour.

2003 National Post (Canada) 3 June a16/3 It is their main means of prosecuting their wider foreign policy against the Great Satan and Israel.

†b. intransitive. To continue or go on; to bring a matter to completion or success; to further. Also with on. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > continuing > continue doing or keep going in a course of action [verb (intransitive)]

to hold a wayOE

to hold forthc1200

to hold ona1225

reignc1300

lasta1325

continuea1340

to continue doing or to doc1384

pursuea1425

perseverec1425

to hold one's wayc1480

prosecute1528

to go on1533

to run on1533

keep1548

to follow on1560

insist1586

to keep on1589

to carry on1832

to carry on1857

string1869

1528 J. Skelton Honorificatissimo: Replycacion agaynst Yong Scolers sig. Av What shulde I prosecute Or more of this to clatter?

1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. xix. 22 [He] sued..for licence too prosecute on his iourney.

1588 R. Parke tr. J. G. de Mendoza Comm. Notable Thinges in tr. J. G. de Mendoza Hist. Kingdome of China 357 Here hee doth prosecute in things which the saide fathers did see.

1716 D. Ryder Diary 11 Nov. (1939) (modernized text) 362 Brother William is under some concern how he shall do to prosecute on his part with the young lady.

c. transitive. To carry out, perform; to engage in (a trade or pursuit); to practise, exercise, cultivate. Now archaic.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > doing > practice, exercise, or doing > practise or carry on [verb (transitive)]

doeOE

followOE

holda1100

found1340

exercec1374

enhaunta1382

usea1398

proceed1399

apply?c1400

practise?c1430

exercise1467

takea1500

plya1513

enure1549

prosecute1567

inurea1577

manage1579

to stand on ——1599

to carry on1638

cultivate1654

1567 in J. Anderson Coll. Mary Queen of Scotl. (1727) I. 93 That service..quhilk he hes evir sensyne prosequutit with the lyke diligence in all.

1572 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1878) 1st Ser. II. 149 To leif the toun..weill garnishit for prosequuting the kingis service.

1576 A. Fleming tr. Erasmus in Panoplie Epist. 342 Those exercises, that are vsually prosequuted in the common schooles.

1610 A. Willet Hexapla in Danielem 141 True repentance..may not be deferred or put off but speedily prosequuted.

1693 Cramond Kirk Session III. 28 Dec. They..desired the said Sir Georg to prosecutt the said call.

1707 J. Mortimer Whole Art Husbandry (1721) II. 177 It is a piece of great neglect amongst us, that the sowing of them is not more prosecuted.

1782 J. H. St. J. de Crèvecoeur Lett. from Amer. Farmer viii. 201 She laid the foundation of a system of business, that she has ever since prosecuted with equal dexterity and success.

1824 J. Marshall Writings upon Federal Constit. (1839) 307 These privileges..cannot be enjoyed unless the trade may be prosecuted.

1883 G. B. Goode Rev. Fishery Industries U.S. 23 The salmon and other fisheries of Puget Sound are prosecuted chiefly by the aid of Indian fishermen.

1915 F. M. Hueffer Good Soldier iii. v. 192 He did not prosecute even this occupation with any vigour.

1977 J. I. M. Stewart Madonna of Astrolabe vi. 99 Conceivably he supposed me to have come about the electricity or the gas and to be respectfully waiting for permission to prosecute my craft.

†2. transitive. To deal with in detail; to go into the particulars of; to describe or set out in full. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > copiousness > express copiously [verb (transitive)] > treat in minute detail

prosecute?1520

circumstance1654

circumstantialize1799

?1520 A. Barclay tr. Sallust Cron. Warre agaynst Iugurth xii. f. xix^v Now wyll I make regression and prosecute my first purposed mater insuyng myne authour Salust.

a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 108 Yf I schold partycularly prosecute every thyng..perteynyng to thos materys we schold not fynysch our communycatyon thys xv. days & more.

1577 M. Hanmer tr. Bp. Eusebius in Aunc. Eccl. Hist. i. ix. 12 The which Iosephus hath prosecuted at large in his historyes.

1612 J. Brinsley Ludus Lit. xiii. 178 Speciall rules and directions giuen, for writing their Theames,..prosecuting the seuerall parts of the Theame.

1673 W. Cave Primitive Christianity iii. iii. 304 This Argument Eusebius particularly prosecutes.

1743 W. Emerson Doctr. Fluxions Pref. 14 As to the Resolution of Problems by infinite Series, I have been more sparing of that, because it has been well prosecuted by others.

1796 S. L. Mitchill Let. 24 Oct. in Trans. Soc. Promotion of Useful Information (1801) 246 I shall now prosecute the inquiry a little further, and go into some practical details relative to this sort of manure.

1841 W. Whewell Mech. Engin. Pref. p. vii French writers..who have lately prosecuted this subject with great zeal.

1873 H. Rogers Superhuman Origin Bible (ed. 3) ii. 63 I do not further prosecute this subject.

†3. transitive. To seek to gain or bring about; to follow after, strive for. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > endeavour > attempt [verb (transitive)] > strive for or after

tilla900

strivea1300

aswinkc1300

ofswinkc1300

forstrivec1315

beswink1377

to follow after ——c1390

hacka1450

ontilla1450

prosecutea1530

to scratch for1581

ettle1592

push1595

a1530 T. Lupset Treat. Charitie (1533) f. 14 It is playne contrarye to the wylle of god, that we shulde with any great intention, solicitude, or carefulnes of mynde, prosecute these bodylye necessities.

1595 Blanchardine & Eglantine vii. B iij b Her beautie hath carryed such prayse and commendation throughout the world, that all the neighbouring Princes haue prosecuted her loue.

1604 T. Wright Passions of Minde (new ed.) i. iii. 14 Selfe-love..inticeth..to prosecute pleasures.

1641 J. Jackson True Evangelical Temper iii. 224 Let peace be prosecuted, and followed, by the safest and surest rule of this pursuit.

1722 W. Wollaston Relig. of Nature ix. 157 We shall..at the same time prosecute our own proper happiness.

4. Law.

a. transitive. To institute (an action, claim) in a court of law; to initiate or carry on (civil or criminal proceedings). †to prosecute the law against (also upon): to bring the force of the law against (obsolete).

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > go to law or litigate [verb (intransitive)]

pursue1389

suea1422

pleada1425

proceed1425

pleac1450

to wage one's (or the) law1455

to go to (the) law?a1513

to put at ——1534

to prosecute the law against (also upon)1535

law?a1550

to follow a suit1571

prosecute1611

to go to suit1690

litigate1726

1535 King Henry VIII Let. 18 Nov. in Hereford Munic. MSS (transcript) (O.E.D. Archive) I. ii. 143 Yet the..accon wrongfully p(ro)secuteth against the plaintif as it is [etc.].

1547 Act 1 Edw. VI c. 7 Preamble The Demandants..were compelled..to prosecute and sue Resummons..to revive..their said Actions.

1566 W. Painter Palace of Pleasure I. f. 103v They durste not prosecute the lawe, against twoo of the greateste Lordes of their Citte.

1654 E. Nicholas Papers (1892) II. 51 The strange accusation violently prosecuted against S^r Edw. Hyde at the Council Board at Paris.

a1670 J. Hacket Scrinia Reserata (1693) ii. 44 Officers Ecclesiastical did prosecute Presentments, rather against Non-conformitancy of Ministers and People, than for Debaucheries.

1709 J. Strype Ann. Reformation xxiv. 240 They did not put or continue them in prison, nor prosecute the law upon them.

1817 Ld. Castlereagh in Parl. Deb. 1st Ser. 1853 Nothing but a deep sense of the duty which I owed to the public could..have induced me to prosecute that action.

a1832 A. Polson Eng. Law in Encycl. Metrop. (1845) II. 835/1 Praying his lordship to issue his fiat, authorizing the petitioner, as such creditor, to prosecute his complaint in her Majesty's Court of Bankruptcy.

1874 A. Trollope Lady Anna I. ii. 21 If she thought fit to prosecute any further claim, she must do so by proving her marriage.

1999 J. Morton Sex, Crimes & Misdemeanours i. ii. 17 Over the years some of the best families in the land either prosecuted or defended such actions.

b. transitive. To institute legal proceedings against (a person, organization, etc.) for an offence; to bring a charge against; to arraign before a court of justice; to indict.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > general proceedings > accusation, allegation, or indictment > charge, accuse, or indict [verb (transitive)]

wrayc725

forwrayOE

beclepec1030

challenge?c1225

indict1303

appeachc1315

aditea1325

appeal1366

impeachc1380

reprovea1382

arraigna1400

calla1400

raign?a1425

to put upa1438

present?a1439

ditec1440

detectc1449

articlec1450

billc1450

peach1465

attach1480

denounce1485

aret1487

accusea1500

filea1500

delate1515

crimea1550

panel1560

articulate1563

prosecute1579

impleada1600

to have up1605

reprosecute1622

tainta1625

criminatea1646

affect1726

to pull up1799

rap1904

run1909

society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > carry on or institute (an action) [verb (transitive)] > sue or institute action against

pleada1325

implead1387

follow1389

pursue1454

process1493

to put in suit1495

to call (a person) unto the law?a1513

sue1526

suit1560

prosecute1579

to fetch a person over the hips1587

trounce1638

law1647

prosecute1656

action1734

to fetch law of1832

court1847

chicane1865

actionize1871

run1891

1579 in D. Masson Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1880) 1st Ser. III. 159 To be apprehendit and prosequutit be justice.

1630 R. Norton tr. W. Camden Hist. Princesse Elizabeth iv. 89 Meane while, the Lord Deputy with vndefatigable paynes prosecuteth Mac-Hugh.

1682 in R. W. Cochran-Patrick Rec. Coinage Scotl. (1876) II. 172 The lords..give order..to his majesties advocat to prosecute..[four] officers of his majesties mint for their malversations in their offices.

1702 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion I. i. 8 Any Person..who was not either immediately Prosecuted by the Court, or in evident Disfavour there.

1769 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. IV. xxiii. 315 If he made his peace with the king, still he might be prosecuted at the suit of the party.

1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian vii, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. III. 186 Are you aware of the law of this country—that if you lodge this charge you will be bound over to prosecute this gang?

1873 A. Trollope Eustace Diamonds III. lxxviii. 325 She would be..committed to gaol for contempt of court, and prosecuted for perjury into the bargain.

1926 M. Lowry Let. May in Sursum Corda! (1995) I. 26 When I think of you... I think..of a certain wood where Trespassers are Prosecuted.

1937 ‘G. Orwell’ Road to Wigan Pier vi. 103 Now and again..the colliery companies prosecute somebody for coal-picking... The coal-pickers subscribe among themselves to pay the fines.

1998 S. Reynolds Energy Flash ii. 60 The police..unsuccessfully prosecuted the pirate station Centre Force for running a drug-peddling ring.

c. intransitive. To institute, conduct, or pursue legal proceedings against someone; to be prosecutor in some legal action.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > general proceedings > accusation, allegation, or indictment > bring a charge [verb (intransitive)]

to bring in or lay an indictment1303

to call upon ——1448

accuse1546

propound1576

prosecute1611

to call on ——a1616

to lay an information1838

charge1891

society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > go to law or litigate [verb (intransitive)]

pursue1389

suea1422

pleada1425

proceed1425

pleac1450

to wage one's (or the) law1455

to go to (the) law?a1513

to put at ——1534

to prosecute the law against (also upon)1535

law?a1550

to follow a suit1571

prosecute1611

to go to suit1690

litigate1726

1611 B. Jonson Catiline v. sig. O When they are done, the lawes may prosequute .

1657 W. Rand tr. P. Gassendi Mirrour of Nobility iv. 2 He durst not prosecute against the party he supposed had stollen them.

1722 D. Defoe Moll Flanders 341 The Man alledg'd he was bound by the Justice that committed me, to Prosecute.

1765 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. I. vii. 268 He [sc. the king] is therefore the proper person to prosecute for all public offences and breaches of the peace, being the person injured in the eye of the law.

1817 Parl. Deb. 1st Ser. 418 He had at that time prosecuted for high treason, because he disdained to bring the persons..before a jury for any other crime than that of which he was conscientiously satisfied they were guilty.

1865 Chambers's Encycl. VII. 799/1 If a person is murdered, some one of the relatives naturally prosecutes.

1901 G. B. Shaw Capt. Brassbound's Conversion iii, in Three Plays for Puritans 286 The counsel for the prosecution can proceed to prosecute. The floor is yours, Lady Waynflete.

1966 Listener 9 June 828/1 Even when the police prosecute, committal for trial cannot be left entirely to their discretion.

1992 Which? May 239/2 The EHO can investigate your complaint and may decide to prosecute.

2004 H. Kennedy Just Law (2005) iii. 84 By allowing hearsay evidence the government has also failed to realise that it will be used as relentlessly by defendants as by those who prosecute.

d. transitive. To institute legal proceedings against a person for (a crime, etc.).

ΘΚΠ

pleada1325

implead1387

follow1389

pursue1454

process1493

to put in suit1495

to call (a person) unto the law?a1513

sue1526

suit1560

prosecute1579

to fetch a person over the hips1587

trounce1638

law1647

prosecute1656

action1734

to fetch law of1832

court1847

chicane1865

actionize1871

run1891

1656 T. Blount Glossographia Concussionary, a publick extortioner, one that (counterfeiting an authority) extorts gifts from men by threatning to punish or prosecute their offences.

1680 T. Otway Orphan ii. 17 If, th' offence be found Within my reach,..I'd prosecute it with severest Vengeance.

1769 W. Robertson View State of Europe i, in Hist. Charles V I. 42 Resentment was almost the sole motive for prosecuting crimes.

1847 G. Grote Hist. Greece III. ii. x. 87 If a man was murdered, first his near relations, next his gennêtes and phrators, were both allowed and required to prosecute the crime at law.

1863 H. Cox Inst. Eng. Govt. i. x. 235 The House of Commons had given up the practice of prosecuting state crimes.

1950 J. Lait & L. Mortimer Chicago: Confidential ii. xvi. 132 The first [gambling] offense ever prosecuted..was running a swindling cardstore.

1977 J. Rechy Sexual Outlaw 57 The L.A.P.D. has always manically prosecuted vice and victimless crimes far beyond what they have to do.

2005 Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.) (Nexis) 28 Sept. b7 Several years in the major crimes division, where he prosecuted homicides and organized crime.

†5.

a. transitive. To seek revenge for (a wrong, injury, etc.); to avenge. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > punishment > retributive punishment > inflict (retributive punishment) [verb (transitive)] > for an offence or on an offender

wreakc825

awreak1048

wrackc1275

wrakec1275

venge1303

bewreakc1325

avenge1377

hevena1400

sella1400

revengec1425

prosecute1543

pursue1570

wrecka1593

the world > action or operation > behaviour > reciprocal treatment or return of an action > revenge > execute (vengeance) [verb (transitive)] > seek vengeance for (an injury)

avenge1377

prosecute1543

pursue1570

1543 Bp. S. Gardiner Let. 15 May (1933) 121 The Kinges Majestie hymself..did ernestly prosecute..that mysordre.

1551 R. Robinson tr. T. More Vtopia sig. Ovi^v But whether it were righte or wrong, it was with so cruell and mortal warre reuenged... So egerly the Vtopians prosequute the iniuries done to ther frindes yea in money matters, and not their owne likewise.

1682 in R. R. Hinman Lett. Eng. Kings (1836) 147 That horrid and barbarous murder..which we hold ourselves by the laws of God and man to prosecute upon all those that shall be found guilty thereof.

b. transitive. To follow (a fleeing person or animal) quickly and with hostile intent; to chase, pursue. Also intransitive. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > progressive motion > order of movement > following behind > follow behind [verb (intransitive)] > pursue

followeOE

suec1325

pursuea1375

prosecute1549

bechafe1574

ret1607

to give chase (to)1634

the world > movement > progressive motion > order of movement > following behind > follow [verb (transitive)] > pursue

followOE

driveOE

to go after ——OE

to come after——c1275

pursuec1300

suec1300

catcha1325

chasec1330

enchasec1380

to pursue aftera1387

ensuea1513

subsecute1548

prosecute1549

jass1577

course1587

to make after ——a1592

scorse1596

chevya1825

to take out after1865

shag1913

1549 H. Latimer 1st Serm. before Kynges Grace sig. Avii^v Pharao..what tyme he herd of the passage of goddes people,..did prosecute after entendinge to destroye them.

1550 Perth Guildry 5 Aug. in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue (1985) VI. 333/1 The..gudis..tobe vptane fra the forstallaris..and thair bodeis tobe prosocut as efferis.

1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 166 The king..prosecuted Dauid the brother of Lewlyn from towne to towne.

1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 31 These wilde Asses..cast backward with their heeles stones with such violence, as they pierce the brests of them that prosecute them.

1648 O. Cromwell Let. 20 Aug. in Writings & Speeches (1937) (modernized text) I. 637 We..prosecuted them home to Warrington Town.

1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 114 The Mastiffs gen'rous breed;..who for the Folds relief Will prosecute with Cries the Nightly Thief.

1766 T. H. Croker et al. Compl. Dict. Arts & Sci. III. at Reclaiming In our ancient customs, a lord's pursuing, prosecuting, and recalling his vassal, who has gone to live in another place without his permission.

†6. transitive. To follow or treat with respect, dishonour, praise, insults, etc. Obsolete.A figurative use derived from the idea of literally following a person with shouts of acclamation, execration, etc.In negative use perhaps overlapping with sense 7 (cf. quots. a1640 and 1704).

ΚΠ

1545 E. Walshe Office & Duety Fighting for Countrey sig. A.viii^v Anye aliant or straunger, that lyke a bastarde or spurious vilipendeth the name of his natiue countrey..is in no wise to be prosecuted with thargument of a gentle and regratifieng harte.

?1548 J. Bale Comedy Thre Lawes Nature v. sig. Fvij To worshyp one God aboue, And hys poore neyber, to prosecute with loue.

?c1550 tr. P. Vergil Eng. Hist. (1846) I. v. 206 The Danes didd..with honorable sepulture prosecute the corps of Hubo.

a1640 P. Massinger City-Madam (1658) v. iii. 33 Prosecuted with the fatal curses Of widdows, undone Orphans, and what else.

1667 Bp. J. Taylor 2nd Pt. Dissuasive from Popery ii. ii. 21 Prosecuting the Lord Jesus Christ with a singular honour.

1688 J. Barnes Hist. Edward III i. i. 23 But especially the Welch Nation..as in his Life time they expressed a Wonderfull Love and Loyal Affection to him, so now they prosecuted his Unfortunate Death with Dolefull Elegies.

1704 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion III. Ded. sig. bii^v Prosecuting this Author with unjust and false accusations.

1741 W. Warburton Divine Legation Moses II. 168 The same Animal was prosecuted, in one place, with divine Honours.

†7. transitive. To pursue vindictively; to persecute. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > hostile action or attack > make an attack upon [verb (transitive)] > persecute

seekc825

baitc1175

war?c1225

pursuec1300

chase1340

course1466

persecutea1475

suea1500

pickc1550

pursuit1563

prosecute1588

exagitate1602

dragoon1689

harass1788

martyr1851

dragonnade1881

witch-hunt1919

vamp1970

1588 Let. in Harl. Misc. (Malh.) II. 67 Not maliciously bent to have men prosecuted to death, only for their religion.

1665 T. Herbert Some Years Trav. (new ed.) 61 The eldest sonne of Aben Babur..who was sadly prosecuted through the power and malice of Mirza Kameron his younger Brother.

1678 R. Cudworth True Intellect. Syst. Universe i. i. 24 He acknowledged Dæmons or Angels; declaring that some of these fell from Heaven, and were since prosecuted by a Divine Nemesis.

1813 J. Aikin et al. Gen. Biogr. VIII. 204/1 [Pope Pius II] spared neither kings, dukes, nor people, when they invaded the right of the church or clergy, but prosecuted them with wars, censures, interdicts, and anathemas.

†8. transitive. To follow up on (an advantage, opportunity, etc.). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > advantage > be advantageous or beneficial to [verb (transitive)] > take advantage of

to take (the) advantagea1393

prosecute1594

to make boot of1606

to lay hold (up)on, ofa1715

to trade upon ——1832

to trade on ——1843

market1906

1594 H. Plat Diuerse Sorts of Soyle 27 in Jewell House They prosecuted this good happe of theirs further the next yeare.

1654 tr. M. Martini Bellum Tartaricum 24 The Tartars..prosecute the victory with all quickness and diligence.

1761 D. Hume Hist. Eng. to Henry VII I. 310 The French army..left Henry free to prosecute his advantages against his other enemies.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2007; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

单词	prosecute
释义	prosecutev. Brit. /ˈprɒsᵻkjuːt/, U.S. /ˈprɑsəˌkjut/ Forms: late Middle English– prosecute, 1500s prosequte, 1500s prosequut, 1500s proseqwuit, 1500s–1600s presecute, 1500s–1600s prosequute, 1600s proceequit; Scottish pre-1700 procequute, pre-1700 prosecuit, pre-1700 prosecut, pre-1700 prosecutt, pre-1700 prosequeitt, pre-1700 prosequite, pre-1700 prosequut, pre-1700 prosequute, pre-1700 1700s– prosecute. Also past participle Scottish pre-1700 prosecuit, pre-1700 prosecut, pre-1700 prosecute, pre-1700 prosequat, pre-1700 prosequte, pre-1700 prosequute, pre-1700 prosequutt, pre-1700 prosocut. Origin: A borrowing from Latin. Etymons: Latin prōsecūt-, prōsequī. Etymology: < classical Latin prōsecūt-, past participial stem of prōsequī to follow, pursue, to follow up, continue with, to go on to describe, to pursue a claim for, to attend, accompany, to honour or present (a person) with, in post-classical Latin also to prosecute or proceed with a suit (4th cent.), to strive after (12th cent.) < prō- pro- prefix¹ + sequī to follow (see sequent adj.). Compare Middle French prosecuter to look for eagerly (c1370). Compare pursue v.In sense 7 probably by association with persecute v. 1. a. transitive. To continue with (a course of action, an undertaking, etc.) with a view to its accomplishment or completion; to follow up, pursue; to persevere or persist in.Now frequently with reference to the conduct of a war. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > continuing > following up, through, or prosecution > follow up, through, or out [verb (transitive)] suec1325 pursuea1393 follow1425 pass1473 prosecute?a1475 ensue1509 convey1530 persecute1546 to follow on?1557 transact1636 to follow up1659 to follow up on1927 ?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1874) V. 51 (MED) Origenes sende an epistole..preyenge and comfortenge his fader to prosecute [a1387 J. Trevisa tr. be stedefast and holde forþ; L. prosequi] that he hade begunne. 1509 J. Fisher Serm. Henry VIJ (de Worde) sig. Aij As this honorable audyence now is here assembled to prosecute the funeral obseruaunces [etc.]. 1569 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1877) 1st Ser. I. 624 Quhill thai renew thair forceis and prosequute thair formair detestabill interpryise. 1614 W. Raleigh Hist. World i. iii. x. §12. 123 (heading) How the Armie..came into the Territorie of Sinope, and there prosequuted the same purpose. a1649 W. Drummond Skiamachia in Wks. (1711) 192 That the late Articles of the Treaty of Peace..may be carefully and truly prosecute. 1676 J. Ray Corr. (1848) 126 If still you prosecute the same studies and inquiries. 1753 S. Richardson Hist. Sir Charles Grandison II. xxvii. 249 It would be the last time they should see him..; they being determined to prosecute their intended tour. 1772 R. Hurd Prophecies (1788) l. iii. 66 Intently prosecuting one entire scheme. 1819 W. Scott Bride of Lammermoor II. 192 Craigengelt..prosecuted his journey with all diligence. 1833 H. Coleridge Biographia Borealis 27 The Dutch war, commenced without necessity, and prosecuted..with ill-judged parsimony. 1874 W. B. Carpenter Princ. Mental Physiol. 1 This inquiry..has not until recently been systematically prosecuted. 1935 Gardeners' Chron. 23 Feb. 129/1 Investigation of diseases of turf of lawns and greens has been prosecuted in the U.S.A. for many years. 1940 J. Colville Diary 8 May in Fringes of Power (1985) 120 They will now be both obliged to reconstruct the Cabinet and to prosecute the war with greater vigour. 2003 National Post (Canada) 3 June a16/3 It is their main means of prosecuting their wider foreign policy against the Great Satan and Israel. †b. intransitive. To continue or go on; to bring a matter to completion or success; to further. Also with on. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > continuing > continue doing or keep going in a course of action [verb (intransitive)] to hold a wayOE to hold forthc1200 to hold ona1225 reignc1300 lasta1325 continuea1340 to continue doing or to doc1384 pursuea1425 perseverec1425 to hold one's wayc1480 prosecute1528 to go on1533 to run on1533 keep1548 to follow on1560 insist1586 to keep on1589 to carry on1832 to carry on1857 string1869 1528 J. Skelton Honorificatissimo: Replycacion agaynst Yong Scolers sig. Av What shulde I prosecute Or more of this to clatter? 1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. xix. 22 [He] sued..for licence too prosecute on his iourney. 1588 R. Parke tr. J. G. de Mendoza Comm. Notable Thinges in tr. J. G. de Mendoza Hist. Kingdome of China 357 Here hee doth prosecute in things which the saide fathers did see. 1716 D. Ryder Diary 11 Nov. (1939) (modernized text) 362 Brother William is under some concern how he shall do to prosecute on his part with the young lady. c. transitive. To carry out, perform; to engage in (a trade or pursuit); to practise, exercise, cultivate. Now archaic. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > doing > practice, exercise, or doing > practise or carry on [verb (transitive)] doeOE followOE holda1100 found1340 exercec1374 enhaunta1382 usea1398 proceed1399 apply?c1400 practise?c1430 exercise1467 takea1500 plya1513 enure1549 prosecute1567 inurea1577 manage1579 to stand on ——1599 to carry on1638 cultivate1654 1567 in J. Anderson Coll. Mary Queen of Scotl. (1727) I. 93 That service..quhilk he hes evir sensyne prosequutit with the lyke diligence in all. 1572 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1878) 1st Ser. II. 149 To leif the toun..weill garnishit for prosequuting the kingis service. 1576 A. Fleming tr. Erasmus in Panoplie Epist. 342 Those exercises, that are vsually prosequuted in the common schooles. 1610 A. Willet Hexapla in Danielem 141 True repentance..may not be deferred or put off but speedily prosequuted. 1693 Cramond Kirk Session III. 28 Dec. They..desired the said Sir Georg to prosecutt the said call. 1707 J. Mortimer Whole Art Husbandry (1721) II. 177 It is a piece of great neglect amongst us, that the sowing of them is not more prosecuted. 1782 J. H. St. J. de Crèvecoeur Lett. from Amer. Farmer viii. 201 She laid the foundation of a system of business, that she has ever since prosecuted with equal dexterity and success. 1824 J. Marshall Writings upon Federal Constit. (1839) 307 These privileges..cannot be enjoyed unless the trade may be prosecuted. 1883 G. B. Goode Rev. Fishery Industries U.S. 23 The salmon and other fisheries of Puget Sound are prosecuted chiefly by the aid of Indian fishermen. 1915 F. M. Hueffer Good Soldier iii. v. 192 He did not prosecute even this occupation with any vigour. 1977 J. I. M. Stewart Madonna of Astrolabe vi. 99 Conceivably he supposed me to have come about the electricity or the gas and to be respectfully waiting for permission to prosecute my craft. †2. transitive. To deal with in detail; to go into the particulars of; to describe or set out in full. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > copiousness > express copiously [verb (transitive)] > treat in minute detail prosecute?1520 circumstance1654 circumstantialize1799 ?1520 A. Barclay tr. Sallust Cron. Warre agaynst Iugurth xii. f. xix^v Now wyll I make regression and prosecute my first purposed mater insuyng myne authour Salust. a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 108 Yf I schold partycularly prosecute every thyng..perteynyng to thos materys we schold not fynysch our communycatyon thys xv. days & more. 1577 M. Hanmer tr. Bp. Eusebius in Aunc. Eccl. Hist. i. ix. 12 The which Iosephus hath prosecuted at large in his historyes. 1612 J. Brinsley Ludus Lit. xiii. 178 Speciall rules and directions giuen, for writing their Theames,..prosecuting the seuerall parts of the Theame. 1673 W. Cave Primitive Christianity iii. iii. 304 This Argument Eusebius particularly prosecutes. 1743 W. Emerson Doctr. Fluxions Pref. 14 As to the Resolution of Problems by infinite Series, I have been more sparing of that, because it has been well prosecuted by others. 1796 S. L. Mitchill Let. 24 Oct. in Trans. Soc. Promotion of Useful Information (1801) 246 I shall now prosecute the inquiry a little further, and go into some practical details relative to this sort of manure. 1841 W. Whewell Mech. Engin. Pref. p. vii French writers..who have lately prosecuted this subject with great zeal. 1873 H. Rogers Superhuman Origin Bible (ed. 3) ii. 63 I do not further prosecute this subject. †3. transitive. To seek to gain or bring about; to follow after, strive for. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > endeavour > attempt [verb (transitive)] > strive for or after tilla900 strivea1300 aswinkc1300 ofswinkc1300 forstrivec1315 beswink1377 to follow after ——c1390 hacka1450 ontilla1450 prosecutea1530 to scratch for1581 ettle1592 push1595 a1530 T. Lupset Treat. Charitie (1533) f. 14 It is playne contrarye to the wylle of god, that we shulde with any great intention, solicitude, or carefulnes of mynde, prosecute these bodylye necessities. 1595 Blanchardine & Eglantine vii. B iij b Her beautie hath carryed such prayse and commendation throughout the world, that all the neighbouring Princes haue prosecuted her loue. 1604 T. Wright Passions of Minde (new ed.) i. iii. 14 Selfe-love..inticeth..to prosecute pleasures. 1641 J. Jackson True Evangelical Temper iii. 224 Let peace be prosecuted, and followed, by the safest and surest rule of this pursuit. 1722 W. Wollaston Relig. of Nature ix. 157 We shall..at the same time prosecute our own proper happiness. 4. Law. a. transitive. To institute (an action, claim) in a court of law; to initiate or carry on (civil or criminal proceedings). †to prosecute the law against (also upon): to bring the force of the law against (obsolete). ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > go to law or litigate [verb (intransitive)] pursue1389 suea1422 pleada1425 proceed1425 pleac1450 to wage one's (or the) law1455 to go to (the) law?a1513 to put at ——1534 to prosecute the law against (also upon)1535 law?a1550 to follow a suit1571 prosecute1611 to go to suit1690 litigate1726 1535 King Henry VIII Let. 18 Nov. in Hereford Munic. MSS (transcript) (O.E.D. Archive) I. ii. 143 Yet the..accon wrongfully p(ro)secuteth against the plaintif as it is [etc.]. 1547 Act 1 Edw. VI c. 7 Preamble The Demandants..were compelled..to prosecute and sue Resummons..to revive..their said Actions. 1566 W. Painter Palace of Pleasure I. f. 103v They durste not prosecute the lawe, against twoo of the greateste Lordes of their Citte. 1654 E. Nicholas Papers (1892) II. 51 The strange accusation violently prosecuted against S^r Edw. Hyde at the Council Board at Paris. a1670 J. Hacket Scrinia Reserata (1693) ii. 44 Officers Ecclesiastical did prosecute Presentments, rather against Non-conformitancy of Ministers and People, than for Debaucheries. 1709 J. Strype Ann. Reformation xxiv. 240 They did not put or continue them in prison, nor prosecute the law upon them. 1817 Ld. Castlereagh in Parl. Deb. 1st Ser. 1853 Nothing but a deep sense of the duty which I owed to the public could..have induced me to prosecute that action. a1832 A. Polson Eng. Law in Encycl. Metrop. (1845) II. 835/1 Praying his lordship to issue his fiat, authorizing the petitioner, as such creditor, to prosecute his complaint in her Majesty's Court of Bankruptcy. 1874 A. Trollope Lady Anna I. ii. 21 If she thought fit to prosecute any further claim, she must do so by proving her marriage. 1999 J. Morton Sex, Crimes & Misdemeanours i. ii. 17 Over the years some of the best families in the land either prosecuted or defended such actions. b. transitive. To institute legal proceedings against (a person, organization, etc.) for an offence; to bring a charge against; to arraign before a court of justice; to indict. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > general proceedings > accusation, allegation, or indictment > charge, accuse, or indict [verb (transitive)] wrayc725 forwrayOE beclepec1030 challenge?c1225 indict1303 appeachc1315 aditea1325 appeal1366 impeachc1380 reprovea1382 arraigna1400 calla1400 raign?a1425 to put upa1438 present?a1439 ditec1440 detectc1449 articlec1450 billc1450 peach1465 attach1480 denounce1485 aret1487 accusea1500 filea1500 delate1515 crimea1550 panel1560 articulate1563 prosecute1579 impleada1600 to have up1605 reprosecute1622 tainta1625 criminatea1646 affect1726 to pull up1799 rap1904 run1909 society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > carry on or institute (an action) [verb (transitive)] > sue or institute action against pleada1325 implead1387 follow1389 pursue1454 process1493 to put in suit1495 to call (a person) unto the law?a1513 sue1526 suit1560 prosecute1579 to fetch a person over the hips1587 trounce1638 law1647 prosecute1656 action1734 to fetch law of1832 court1847 chicane1865 actionize1871 run1891 1579 in D. Masson Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1880) 1st Ser. III. 159 To be apprehendit and prosequutit be justice. 1630 R. Norton tr. W. Camden Hist. Princesse Elizabeth iv. 89 Meane while, the Lord Deputy with vndefatigable paynes prosecuteth Mac-Hugh. 1682 in R. W. Cochran-Patrick Rec. Coinage Scotl. (1876) II. 172 The lords..give order..to his majesties advocat to prosecute..[four] officers of his majesties mint for their malversations in their offices. 1702 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion I. i. 8 Any Person..who was not either immediately Prosecuted by the Court, or in evident Disfavour there. 1769 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. IV. xxiii. 315 If he made his peace with the king, still he might be prosecuted at the suit of the party. 1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian vii, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. III. 186 Are you aware of the law of this country—that if you lodge this charge you will be bound over to prosecute this gang? 1873 A. Trollope Eustace Diamonds III. lxxviii. 325 She would be..committed to gaol for contempt of court, and prosecuted for perjury into the bargain. 1926 M. Lowry Let. May in Sursum Corda! (1995) I. 26 When I think of you... I think..of a certain wood where Trespassers are Prosecuted. 1937 ‘G. Orwell’ Road to Wigan Pier vi. 103 Now and again..the colliery companies prosecute somebody for coal-picking... The coal-pickers subscribe among themselves to pay the fines. 1998 S. Reynolds Energy Flash ii. 60 The police..unsuccessfully prosecuted the pirate station Centre Force for running a drug-peddling ring. c. intransitive. To institute, conduct, or pursue legal proceedings against someone; to be prosecutor in some legal action. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > general proceedings > accusation, allegation, or indictment > bring a charge [verb (intransitive)] to bring in or lay an indictment1303 to call upon ——1448 accuse1546 propound1576 prosecute1611 to call on ——a1616 to lay an information1838 charge1891 society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > go to law or litigate [verb (intransitive)] pursue1389 suea1422 pleada1425 proceed1425 pleac1450 to wage one's (or the) law1455 to go to (the) law?a1513 to put at ——1534 to prosecute the law against (also upon)1535 law?a1550 to follow a suit1571 prosecute1611 to go to suit1690 litigate1726 1611 B. Jonson Catiline v. sig. O When they are done, the lawes may prosequute . View more context for this quotation 1657 W. Rand tr. P. Gassendi Mirrour of Nobility iv. 2 He durst not prosecute against the party he supposed had stollen them. 1722 D. Defoe Moll Flanders 341 The Man alledg'd he was bound by the Justice that committed me, to Prosecute. 1765 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. I. vii. 268 He [sc. the king] is therefore the proper person to prosecute for all public offences and breaches of the peace, being the person injured in the eye of the law. 1817 Parl. Deb. 1st Ser. 418 He had at that time prosecuted for high treason, because he disdained to bring the persons..before a jury for any other crime than that of which he was conscientiously satisfied they were guilty. 1865 Chambers's Encycl. VII. 799/1 If a person is murdered, some one of the relatives naturally prosecutes. 1901 G. B. Shaw Capt. Brassbound's Conversion iii, in Three Plays for Puritans 286 The counsel for the prosecution can proceed to prosecute. The floor is yours, Lady Waynflete. 1966 Listener 9 June 828/1 Even when the police prosecute, committal for trial cannot be left entirely to their discretion. 1992 Which? May 239/2 The EHO can investigate your complaint and may decide to prosecute. 2004 H. Kennedy Just Law (2005) iii. 84 By allowing hearsay evidence the government has also failed to realise that it will be used as relentlessly by defendants as by those who prosecute. d. transitive. To institute legal proceedings against a person for (a crime, etc.). ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > carry on or institute (an action) [verb (transitive)] > sue or institute action against pleada1325 implead1387 follow1389 pursue1454 process1493 to put in suit1495 to call (a person) unto the law?a1513 sue1526 suit1560 prosecute1579 to fetch a person over the hips1587 trounce1638 law1647 prosecute1656 action1734 to fetch law of1832 court1847 chicane1865 actionize1871 run1891 1656 T. Blount Glossographia Concussionary, a publick extortioner, one that (counterfeiting an authority) extorts gifts from men by threatning to punish or prosecute their offences. 1680 T. Otway Orphan ii. 17 If, th' offence be found Within my reach,..I'd prosecute it with severest Vengeance. 1769 W. Robertson View State of Europe i, in Hist. Charles V I. 42 Resentment was almost the sole motive for prosecuting crimes. 1847 G. Grote Hist. Greece III. ii. x. 87 If a man was murdered, first his near relations, next his gennêtes and phrators, were both allowed and required to prosecute the crime at law. 1863 H. Cox Inst. Eng. Govt. i. x. 235 The House of Commons had given up the practice of prosecuting state crimes. 1950 J. Lait & L. Mortimer Chicago: Confidential ii. xvi. 132 The first [gambling] offense ever prosecuted..was running a swindling cardstore. 1977 J. Rechy Sexual Outlaw 57 The L.A.P.D. has always manically prosecuted vice and victimless crimes far beyond what they have to do. 2005 Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.) (Nexis) 28 Sept. b7 Several years in the major crimes division, where he prosecuted homicides and organized crime. †5. a. transitive. To seek revenge for (a wrong, injury, etc.); to avenge. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > authority > punishment > retributive punishment > inflict (retributive punishment) [verb (transitive)] > for an offence or on an offender wreakc825 awreak1048 wrackc1275 wrakec1275 venge1303 bewreakc1325 avenge1377 hevena1400 sella1400 revengec1425 prosecute1543 pursue1570 wrecka1593 the world > action or operation > behaviour > reciprocal treatment or return of an action > revenge > execute (vengeance) [verb (transitive)] > seek vengeance for (an injury) avenge1377 prosecute1543 pursue1570 1543 Bp. S. Gardiner Let. 15 May (1933) 121 The Kinges Majestie hymself..did ernestly prosecute..that mysordre. 1551 R. Robinson tr. T. More Vtopia sig. Ovi^v But whether it were righte or wrong, it was with so cruell and mortal warre reuenged... So egerly the Vtopians prosequute the iniuries done to ther frindes yea in money matters, and not their owne likewise. 1682 in R. R. Hinman Lett. Eng. Kings (1836) 147 That horrid and barbarous murder..which we hold ourselves by the laws of God and man to prosecute upon all those that shall be found guilty thereof. b. transitive. To follow (a fleeing person or animal) quickly and with hostile intent; to chase, pursue. Also intransitive. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > progressive motion > order of movement > following behind > follow behind [verb (intransitive)] > pursue followeOE suec1325 pursuea1375 prosecute1549 bechafe1574 ret1607 to give chase (to)1634 the world > movement > progressive motion > order of movement > following behind > follow [verb (transitive)] > pursue followOE driveOE to go after ——OE to come after——c1275 pursuec1300 suec1300 catcha1325 chasec1330 enchasec1380 to pursue aftera1387 ensuea1513 subsecute1548 prosecute1549 jass1577 course1587 to make after ——a1592 scorse1596 chevya1825 to take out after1865 shag1913 1549 H. Latimer 1st Serm. before Kynges Grace sig. Avii^v Pharao..what tyme he herd of the passage of goddes people,..did prosecute after entendinge to destroye them. 1550 Perth Guildry 5 Aug. in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue (1985) VI. 333/1 The..gudis..tobe vptane fra the forstallaris..and thair bodeis tobe prosocut as efferis. 1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 166 The king..prosecuted Dauid the brother of Lewlyn from towne to towne. 1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 31 These wilde Asses..cast backward with their heeles stones with such violence, as they pierce the brests of them that prosecute them. 1648 O. Cromwell Let. 20 Aug. in Writings & Speeches (1937) (modernized text) I. 637 We..prosecuted them home to Warrington Town. 1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 114 The Mastiffs gen'rous breed;..who for the Folds relief Will prosecute with Cries the Nightly Thief. View more context for this quotation 1766 T. H. Croker et al. Compl. Dict. Arts & Sci. III. at Reclaiming In our ancient customs, a lord's pursuing, prosecuting, and recalling his vassal, who has gone to live in another place without his permission. †6. transitive. To follow or treat with respect, dishonour, praise, insults, etc. Obsolete.A figurative use derived from the idea of literally following a person with shouts of acclamation, execration, etc.In negative use perhaps overlapping with sense 7 (cf. quots. a1640 and 1704). ΚΠ 1545 E. Walshe Office & Duety Fighting for Countrey sig. A.viii^v Anye aliant or straunger, that lyke a bastarde or spurious vilipendeth the name of his natiue countrey..is in no wise to be prosecuted with thargument of a gentle and regratifieng harte. ?1548 J. Bale Comedy Thre Lawes Nature v. sig. Fvij To worshyp one God aboue, And hys poore neyber, to prosecute with loue. ?c1550 tr. P. Vergil Eng. Hist. (1846) I. v. 206 The Danes didd..with honorable sepulture prosecute the corps of Hubo. a1640 P. Massinger City-Madam (1658) v. iii. 33 Prosecuted with the fatal curses Of widdows, undone Orphans, and what else. 1667 Bp. J. Taylor 2nd Pt. Dissuasive from Popery ii. ii. 21 Prosecuting the Lord Jesus Christ with a singular honour. 1688 J. Barnes Hist. Edward III i. i. 23 But especially the Welch Nation..as in his Life time they expressed a Wonderfull Love and Loyal Affection to him, so now they prosecuted his Unfortunate Death with Dolefull Elegies. 1704 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion III. Ded. sig. bii^v Prosecuting this Author with unjust and false accusations. 1741 W. Warburton Divine Legation Moses II. 168 The same Animal was prosecuted, in one place, with divine Honours. †7. transitive. To pursue vindictively; to persecute. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > hostile action or attack > make an attack upon [verb (transitive)] > persecute seekc825 baitc1175 war?c1225 pursuec1300 chase1340 course1466 persecutea1475 suea1500 pickc1550 pursuit1563 prosecute1588 exagitate1602 dragoon1689 harass1788 martyr1851 dragonnade1881 witch-hunt1919 vamp1970 1588 Let. in Harl. Misc. (Malh.) II. 67 Not maliciously bent to have men prosecuted to death, only for their religion. 1665 T. Herbert Some Years Trav. (new ed.) 61 The eldest sonne of Aben Babur..who was sadly prosecuted through the power and malice of Mirza Kameron his younger Brother. 1678 R. Cudworth True Intellect. Syst. Universe i. i. 24 He acknowledged Dæmons or Angels; declaring that some of these fell from Heaven, and were since prosecuted by a Divine Nemesis. 1813 J. Aikin et al. Gen. Biogr. VIII. 204/1 [Pope Pius II] spared neither kings, dukes, nor people, when they invaded the right of the church or clergy, but prosecuted them with wars, censures, interdicts, and anathemas. †8. transitive. To follow up on (an advantage, opportunity, etc.). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > advantage > be advantageous or beneficial to [verb (transitive)] > take advantage of to take (the) advantagea1393 prosecute1594 to make boot of1606 to lay hold (up)on, ofa1715 to trade upon ——1832 to trade on ——1843 market1906 1594 H. Plat Diuerse Sorts of Soyle 27 in Jewell House They prosecuted this good happe of theirs further the next yeare. 1654 tr. M. Martini Bellum Tartaricum 24 The Tartars..prosecute the victory with all quickness and diligence. 1761 D. Hume Hist. Eng. to Henry VII I. 310 The French army..left Henry free to prosecute his advantages against his other enemies. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2007; most recently modified version published online March 2022). < v.?a1475
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