n. & v.
n. 1 a continuous onward movement or progression. 2 a a line along which a person or thing moves; a direction taken (has changed course; the course of the winding river). b a correct or intended direction or line of movement. c the direction taken by a ship or aircraft. 3 a the ground on which a race (or other sport involving extensive linear movement) takes place. b a series of fences, hurdles, or other obstacles to be crossed in a race etc. 4 a a series of lectures, lessons, etc., in a particular subject. b a book for such a course (A Modern French Course). 5 any of the successive parts of a meal. 6 Med. a sequence of medical treatment etc. (prescribed a course of antibiotics). 7 a line of conduct (disappointed by the course he took). 8 Archit. a continuous horizontal layer of brick, stone, etc., in a building. 9 a channel in which water flows. 10 the pursuit of game (esp. hares) with hounds, esp. greyhounds, by sight rather than scent. 11 Naut. a sail on a square-rigged ship (fore course; main course).
v. 1 intr. (esp. of liquid) run, esp. fast (blood coursed through his veins). 2 tr. (also absol.) a use (hounds) to hunt. b pursue (hares etc.) in hunting. the course of nature ordinary events or procedure. in course of in the process of. in the course of during. in the course of time as time goes by; eventually. a matter of course the natural or expected thing. of course naturally; as is or was to be expected; admittedly. on (or off) course following (or deviating from) the desired direction or goal. run (or take) its course (esp. of an illness) complete its natural development. courser n. (in sense 2 of v.).
[ ME f. OF cours f. L cursus f. currere curs- run ]