pur·su·ance \-üən(t)s\noun (-s) Etymology:pursue + -ance 1. a.: the act of pursuing (as by chasing, seeking after, continuing, following up) < the pursuance of truth > b.: a carrying out or into effect : the action of executing : prosecution < engaged in pursuance of his researches > < immediate pursuance of his orders > 2. a.: something that is pursuant : consequence b.: sequence; specifically: the body of a discourse