prosecution Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun the institution and conduct of legal proceedings against a defendant for criminal behavior
criminal prosecution.
noun the lawyers acting for the state to put the case against the defendant
noun the continuance of something begun with a view to its completion
pursuance.

L. prosecutio a following.

The act or process of prosecuting, or of endeavoring to gain or accomplish something; pursuit by efforts of body or mind; as, the prosecution of a scheme, plan, design, or undertaking; the prosecution of war.
Keeping a sharp eye on her domestics . . . in prosecution of their various duties. Sir W. Scott.
(Law) (a) The institution and carrying on of a suit in a court of law or equity, to obtain some right, or to redress and punish some wrong; the carrying on of a judicial proceeding in behalf of a complaining party, as distinguished from defense. (b) The institution, or commencement, and continuance of a criminal suit; the process of exhibiting formal charges against an offender before a legal tribunal, and pursuing them to final judgment on behalf of the state or government, as by indictment or information. (c) The party by whom criminal proceedings are instituted. Blackstone. Burrill. Mozley & W.