pursuance
UK[pəˈsjuːəns]US[pərˈsuːəns]
n
The carrying out or continuation of a plan, action, or process.
n
The following or carrying out of a duty, law, or instruction.
Morpheme Breakdown
pur
su
ance
pur
forward
su
follow
ance
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'pursuance' is built upon the verb 'pursue', which itself originates from the Anglo-Norman French pursuer. This French term evolved from the Vulgar Latin prosequere, a compound of the Latin prefix pro- (forward) and the verb sequi (to follow). The core literal meaning, therefore, is "to follow forward." The noun-forming suffix -ance was added to create an abstract noun denoting the action or process. Thus, the modern legal and formal sense of "the carrying out of a plan or duty" logically extends from this original idea of following something through to its conclusion.
Analysis
Structure: pur (forward) + su (follow) + ance (noun suffix)
- pur: From Latin pro- (forward, forth). A variant form of 'pro-' assimilated before certain sounds.
- su: From Latin sequi (to follow). A reduced form appearing in derivatives.
- ance: From Latin -antia, a suffix forming nouns of action or state.
Examples
The investigation was carried out in pursuance of the court order.
He acted in pursuance of his official duties.
The policy was implemented in pursuance of the company's long-term goals.