prosecut

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Prosecuted p. pr. & vb. n. Prosecuting. ] [ L. prosecutus, p. p. of prosequi to follow, pursue. See Pursue. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. To follow or pursue with a view to reach, execute, or accomplish; to endeavor to obtain or complete; to carry on; to continue; as, to prosecute a scheme, hope, or claim. [ 1913 Webster ]

I am beloved Hermia;
Why should not I, then, prosecute my right ? Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To seek to obtain by legal process; as, to prosecute a right or a claim in a court of law. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Law) To pursue with the intention of punishing; to accuse of some crime or breach of law, or to pursue for redress or punishment, before a legal tribunal; to proceed against judicially; as, to prosecute a man for trespass, or for a riot. [ 1913 Webster ]

To acquit themselves and prosecute their foes. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To follow after. [ Obs. ] Latimer. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Law) To institute and carry on a legal prosecution; as, to prosecute for public offenses. Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. prosecutio a following. ] 1. The act or process of prosecuting, or of endeavoring to gain or accomplish something; pursuit by efforts of body or mind; as, the prosecution of a scheme, plan, design, or undertaking; the prosecution of war. [ 1913 Webster ]

Keeping a sharp eye on her domestics . . . in prosecution of their various duties. Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Law) (a) The institution and carrying on of a suit in a court of law or equity, to obtain some right, or to redress and punish some wrong; the carrying on of a judicial proceeding in behalf of a complaining party, as distinguished from defense. (b) The institution, or commencement, and continuance of a criminal suit; the process of exhibiting formal charges against an offender before a legal tribunal, and pursuing them to final judgment on behalf of the state or government, as by indictment or information. (c) The party by whom criminal proceedings are instituted. Blackstone. Burrill. Mozley & W. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. L. prosecutor an attendant. ] 1. One who prosecutes or carries on any purpose, plan, or business. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Law) The person who institutes and carries on a criminal suit against another in the name of the government. Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ]