Middle English Dictionary Entry

chācen v.
Quotations: Show all Hide all

Entry Info

Forms chācen v. Also chaci(en, chasen, chassen. P. chācede, chāste; ppl. chāced, ichāst.
Etymology OF chacier

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

Note: Cp. cacchen v. and chacchen v. The three verbs are essentially one, the differences reflecting variety in French and Anglo-French, with considerable overlap of meaning but also at least the beginnings of a split between 'chase' and 'catch' senses.
1.
(a) To engage in hunting, go hunting; (b) to hunt (game); (c) to blow a hunting signal.
Show 12 Quotations
2a.
(a) To pursue (sb.) with intent to overtake; press upon (a fleeing enemy), harass; (b) to attack (sb.); ~ after, ~ at; (c) to put (sb.) to flight, rout; (d) to drive (sb. from or to a place); banish; ~ out, expel.
Show 35 Quotations
2b.
To remove (sb. from office); deprive (of sth.); ~ from, of, out.
Show 3 Quotations
3.
(a) To harass (sb.); afflict; ~ unto deth; (b) ~ at, to rail at, assail verbally; ~ agein, retort.
Show 13 Quotations
4.
(a) To expel (evil spirits), cast out; ~ out; (b) to eliminate or drive out (sth.); ~ awei, ~ fro, ~ out; (c) to dispel (darkness), do away with; ~ awei; (d) to repel (sth.), ward off; ~ awei.
Show 20 Quotations
5.
(a) To propel or drive (sth.); ~ aboute; ~ upward; ~ to and fro, toss (sb.) around; (b) to impel or urge on; (c) to hurry, rush.
Show 11 Quotations
6.
To pursue (a narrative), go on with.
Show 1 Quotation

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