Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PRIZE, n. [Fr. prise, from pris, taken; Sp. and Port. presa; G. preis; D. prys; Dan. priis; Sw. pris. See Praise and Price. Literally, that which is taken; hence,]

1. That which is taken from an enemy in war; any species of goods or property seized by force as spoil or plunder; or that which is taken in combat, particularly a ship. A privateer takes an enemy's ship as a prize. They make prize of all the property of the enemy.
2. That which is taken from another; that which is deemed a valuable acquisition. Then prostrate falls, and begs with ardent eyes, / Soon to obtain and long possess the prize. – Pope.
3. That which is obtained or offered as the reward of contest. I will never wrestle for prize. – Shak. I fought and conquer'd, yet have lost the prize. – Dryden.
4. The reward gained by any performance. – Dryden.
5. In colloquial language, any valuable thing gained.
6. The money drawn by a lottery ticket; opposed to blank.