pursuit

 
Pronunciation: /pəˈsjuːt/

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] the action of pursuing someone or something: the cat crouched in the grass in pursuit of a bird those whose business is the pursuit of knowledge
  • [count noun] a cycling race in which competitors set off from different parts of a track and attempt to overtake one another: [as modifier]: the Olympic pursuit champion
  • Physiology the action of the eye in following a moving object.
  • 2an activity of a specified kind, especially a recreational or sporting one: a whole range of leisure pursuits

Phrases

give pursuit

(of a person, animal, or vehicle) start to chase another: three cavalry companies gave pursuit

Origin:

late Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French purseute 'following after', from pursuer (see pursue). Early senses included 'persecution, annoyance' and in legal contexts 'petition, prosecution'