sue Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun French writer whose novels described the sordid side of city life (1804-1857)
    Eugene Sue.
  2. verb institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against
    action; process; litigate.
    • He was warned that the district attorney would process him
    • She actioned the company for discrimination

WordNet


Sue transitive verb
Etymology
OE. suen, sewen, siwen, OF. sivre (pres.ind. 3d sing. il siut, suit, he follows, nous sevons we follow), LL. sequere, for L. sequi, secutus; akin to Gr. , Skr. sac to accompany, and probably to E. see, v.t. See See, v. t., and cf. Consequence, Ensue, Execute, Obsequious, Pursue, Second, Sect in religion, Sequence, Suit.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Sued ; present participle & verbal noun Suing
Definitions
  1. To follow up; to chase; to seek after; to endeavor to win; to woo.
    For yet there was no man that haddle him sued. Chaucer.
    I was beloved of many a gentle knight, And sued and sought with all the service due. Spenser.
    Sue me, and woo me, and flatter me. Tennyson.
  2. (Law) (a) To seek justice or right from, by legal process; to institute process in law against; to bring an action against; to prosecute judicially. (b) To proceed with, as an action, and follow it up to its proper termination; to gain by legal process.
  3. (Falconry) To clean, as the beak; -- said of a hawk.
  4. (Naut.) To leave high and dry on shore; as, to sue a ship. R. H. Dana, Jr.
Sue intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To seek by request; to make application; to petition; to entreat; to plead.
    By adverse destiny constrained to sue For counsel and redress, he sues to you. Pope.
    Cæsar came to Rome to sue for the double honor of a triumph and the consulship. C. Middleton.
    The Indians were defeated and sued for peace. Jefferson.
  2. (Law) To prosecute; to make legal claim; to seek (for something) in law; as, to sue for damages.
  3. To woo; to pay addresses as a lover. Massinger.
  4. (Naut.) To be left high and dry on the shore, as a ship. R. H. Dana, Jr.

Webster 1913