chase

chase¹

verb

1》 pursue in order to catch or catch up with.

2》 rush or cause to go in a specified direction.

3》 try to obtain (something owed or required).

    ↘(chase something up) (US chase something down) investigate an unresolved matter further.

noun

1》 an act of chasing.

2》 (the chase) hunting as a sport.

    ↘Brit. (in place names) an area of unenclosed land formerly reserved for hunting: Cannock Chase.

Phrases

give chase go in pursuit.

Origin

ME: from OFr. chacier (v.), chace (n.), based on L. captare 'continue to take', from capere 'take'.

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chase²

verb [usu. as adjective chased] decorate (metal) by engraving or inlaying.

Origin

ME: appar. from earlier enchase, from OFr. enchasser (see enchase).

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chase³

noun (in letterpress printing) a metal frame for holding the composed type and blocks being printed at one time.

Origin

C16: from Fr. châsse, from L. capsa (see case²).

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chase⁴

noun

1》 the part of a gun enclosing the bore.

2》 a groove or furrow cut in the face of a wall or other surface to receive a pipe.

Origin

C17: from Fr. chas 'enclosed space'.