sue Meaning, Definition & Usage

Sue transitive verb

Etymology

OE. suen, sewen, siwen, OF. sivre (pres.ind. 3d sing. il siut, suit, he follows, nous sevons we follow), LL. sequere, for L. sequi, secutus; akin to Gr. , Skr. sac to accompany, and probably to E. see, v.t. See See, v. t., and cf. Consequence, Ensue, Execute, Obsequious, Pursue, Second, Sect in religion, Sequence, Suit.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Sued ; present participle & verbal noun Suing

Definitions

1. To follow up; to chase; to seek after; to endeavor to win; to woo.

   For yet there was no man that haddle him sued. Chaucer.

   I was beloved of many a gentle knight, And sued and sought with all the service due. Spenser.

   Sue me, and woo me, and flatter me. Tennyson.

2. (Law) (a) To seek justice or right from, by legal process; to institute process in law against; to bring an action against; to prosecute judicially. (b) To proceed with, as an action, and follow it up to its proper termination; to gain by legal process.
3. (Falconry) To clean, as the beak; -- said of a hawk.
4. (Naut.) To leave high and dry on shore; as, to sue a ship. R. H. Dana, Jr.

Sue intransitive verb

Definitions

1. To seek by request; to make application; to petition; to entreat; to plead.

   By adverse destiny constrained to sue For counsel and redress, he sues to you. Pope.

   Cæsar came to Rome to sue for the double honor of a triumph and the consulship. C. Middleton.

   The Indians were defeated and sued for peace. Jefferson.

2. (Law) To prosecute; to make legal claim; to seek (for something) in law; as, to sue for damages.
3. To woo; to pay addresses as a lover. Massinger.
4. (Naut.) To be left high and dry on the shore, as a ship. R. H. Dana, Jr.