Pur‐suit″ (?), n. [F. poursuite, fr. poursuivre. See Pursue, v. t.] 1. The act of following or going after; esp., a following with haste, either for sport or in hostility; chase; prosecution; as, the pursuit of game; the pursuit of an enemy. Clarendon.
Weak we are, and can not shun pursuit. Shak.
2. A following with a view to reach, accomplish, or obtain; endeavor to attain to or gain; as, the pursuit of knowledge; the pursuit of happiness or pleasure.
3. Course of business or occupation; continued employment with a view to same end; as, mercantile pursuits; a literary pursuit.
4. (Law) Prosecution.
That pursuit for tithes ought, and of ancient time did pertain to the spiritual court. Fuller.
Curve of pursuit(Geom.), a curve described by a point which is at each instant moving towards a second point, which is itself moving according to some specified law.