pursuit Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture
    following; pursual; chase.
    • the culprit started to run and the cop took off in pursuit
  2. noun a search for an alternative that meets cognitive criteria
    quest; pursuance.
    • the pursuit of love
    • life is more than the pursuance of fame
    • a quest for wealth
  3. noun an auxiliary activity
    sideline; spare-time activity; by-line; avocation; hobby.
  4. noun a diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly)
    pastime; interest.
    • sailing is her favorite pastime
    • his main pastime is gambling
    • he counts reading among his interests
    • they criticized the boy for his limited pursuits

WordNet

Pur*suit" noun
Etymology
F. poursuite, fr. poursuivre. See Pursue, v. t.
Definitions
  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. Obs.
    That pursuit for tithes ought, and of ancient time did pertain to the spiritual court. Fuller.

Webster 1913