from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Prize \Prize\ (pr[imac]z), n. [F. prise a seizing, hold, grasp,
fr. pris, p. p. of prendre to take, L. prendere, prehendere;
in some senses, as 2
(b), either from, or influenced by, F. prix price. See
{Prison}, {Prehensile}, and cf. {Pry}, and also {Price}.]
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1. That which is taken from another; something captured; a
thing seized by force, stratagem, or superior power.
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I will depart my pris, or my prey, by deliberation.
--Chaucer.
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His own prize,
Whom formerly he had in battle won. --Spenser.
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2. Hence, specifically;
(a) (Law) Anything captured by a belligerent using the
rights of war; esp., property captured at sea in
virtue of the rights of war, as a vessel. --Kent.
--Brande & C.
(b) An honor or reward striven for in a competitive
contest; anything offered to be competed for, or as an
inducement to, or reward of, effort.
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I'll never wrestle for prize more. --Shak.
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I fought and conquered, yet have lost the prize.
--Dryden.
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(c) That which may be won by chance, as in a lottery.
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3. Anything worth striving for; a valuable possession held or
in prospect.
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I press toward the mark for the prize of the high
calling of God in Christ Jesus. --Phil. iii.
14.
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4. A contest for a reward; competition. [Obs.] --Shak.
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5. A lever; a pry; also, the hold of a lever. [Written also
{prise}.]
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{Prize court}, a court having jurisdiction of all captures
made in war on the high seas. --Bouvier.
{Prize fight}, an exhibition contest, esp. one of pugilists,
for a stake or wager.
{Prize fighter}, one who fights publicly for a reward; --
applied esp. to a professional boxer or pugilist. --Pope.
{Prize fighting}, fighting, especially boxing, in public for
a reward or wager.
{Prize master}, an officer put in charge or command of a
captured vessel.
{Prize medal}, a medal given as a prize.
{Prize money}, a dividend from the proceeds of a captured
vessel, etc., paid to the captors.
{Prize ring}, the ring or inclosure for a prize fight; the
system and practice of prize fighting.
{To make prize of}, to capture. --Hawthorne.
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