Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Prosecute

Prosecute , transitive verb

[Latin prosecutus, past participle of prosequi to follow, pursue. See Pursue.]

1.
To follow or pursue with a view to reach, execute, or accomplish; to endeavor to obtain or complete; to carry on; to continue; as, to prosecute a scheme, hope, or claim.
I am beloved Hermia; Why should not I, then, prosecute my right? — Shakespeare
2.
To seek to obtain by legal process; as, to prosecute a right or a claim in a court of law.
3.
(Law) To pursue with the intention of punishing; to accuse of some crime or breach of law, or to pursue for redress or punishment, before a legal tribunal; to proceed against judicially; as, to prosecute a man for trespass, or for a riot.
To acquit themselves and prosecute their foes. — Milton

Prosecute , intransitive verb

1.
To follow after. [Obsolete] — Latimer
2.
(Law) To institute and carry on a legal prosecution; as, to prosecute for public offenses. — Blackstone