I. ˈhənt verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English huntian; akin to Old English hentan to seize
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1.
a. : to pursue for food or in sport
hunt buffalo
b. : to manage in the search for game
hunt s a pack of dogs
2.
a. : to pursue with intent to capture
hunt ed the escapees
b. : to search out : seek
3. : to drive or chase especially by harrying
members…were hunt ed from their homes — J. T. Adams
4. : to traverse in search of prey
hunt s the woods
intransitive verb
1. : to take part in a hunt
2. : to attempt to find something
3. : to oscillate alternately to each side (as of a neutral point) or to run alternately faster and slower — used especially of a device or machine
II. noun
Date: 14th century
1. : the act, the practice, or an instance of hunting
2. : a group of mounted hunters and their hunting dogs