Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PER'SE-CUTE, v.t. [Fr. persecuter; It. perseguitare; Sp. perseguir; L. persequor; per and sequor, to pursue. See Seek and Essay.]

1. In a general sense, to pursue in a manner to injure, vex or afflict; to harass with unjust punishment or penalties for supposed offenses; to inflict pain from hatred or malignity.
2. Appropriately, to afflict, harass or destroy for adherence to a particular creed or system of religious principles, or to a mode of worship. Thus Nero persecuted the Christians by crucifying some, burning others, and condemning others to be worried by dogs. – See Acts xxii.
3. To harass with solicitations or importunity.