v.tr.
1. (also absol.) a institute legal proceedings against (a person). b institute a prosecution with reference to (a claim, crime, etc.) (decided not to prosecute).
2 follow up, pursue (an inquiry, studies, etc.).
3 carry on (a trade, pursuit, etc.).
Derivatives:
prosecutable adj.
Etymology: ME f. L prosequi prosecut- (as PRO-(1), sequi follow)