Pers (?), a. [F. pers.] Light blue; grayish blue; -- a term applied to
different shades at different periods. -- n. A cloth of sky-blue color.
[Obs.] "A long surcoat of pers." Chaucer.
Per"salt` (?), n. (Chem.) A term formerly given to the salts supposed
to be formed respectively by neutralizing acids with certain peroxides.
[Obsoles.]
Per"sant (?), a. [F. perÁant, p. pr. of percer to pierce.] Piercing.
[Obs.] Spenser.
Per`scru*ta"tion (?), n. [L. perscrutatio, fr. perscrutari to search
through.] A thorough searching; a minute inquiry or scrutiny. Carlyle
Per"se*cot (?), n. See Persicot.
Per"se*cute (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Persecuted (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Persecuting.] [F. persÈcueter, L. persequi, persecutus, to pursue,
prosecute; per + sequi to follow, pursue. See Per-, and Second.] 1. To
pursue in a manner to injure, grieve, or afflict; to beset with cruelty
or malignity; to harass; especially, to afflict, harass, punish, or put
to death, for adherence to a particular religious creed or mode of
worship.
Do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully
use you, and persecute you.
Matt. v. 44.
2. To harass with importunity; to pursue with persistent solicitations;
to annoy. Johnson.
Syn. -- To oppress; harass; distress; worry; annoy.
Per`se*cu"tion (?), n. [F. persÈcution, L. persecutio.] 1. The act or
practice of persecuting; especially, the infliction of loss, pain, or
death for adherence to a particular creed or mode of worship.
Persecution produces no sincere conviction.
Paley.