Dictionary entry

Catch (2)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Catch (?), v. i. 1. To attain possession.

Have is have, however men do catch.

Shak.

2. To be held or impeded by entanglement or a light obstruction; as, a kite catches in a tree; a door catches so as not to open.

3. To take hold; as, the bolt does not catch.

4. To spread by, or as by, infecting; to communicate.

Does the sedition catch from man to man?

Addison.

To catch at, to attempt to seize; to be eager to get or use. “ catch at all opportunities of subverting the state.” Addison.To catch up with, to come up with; to overtake.