prize

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery

   the prize was a free trip to Europe

2. 2
   verb

   hold dear

   I prize these old photographs

3. 3
   noun

   That which is taken from another; something captured; a thing seized by force, stratagem, or superior power.

   […] wherefore he now begunne To challenge her anew, as his owne prize, Whom formerly he had in battell wonne,

4. 4
   noun

   Anything captured by a belligerent using the rights of war; especially, property captured at sea in virtue of the rights of war, as a vessel.

   Having taken all the Treasure on Board their own Ships, and plundered their Prize of every Thing elſe they either wanted or liked, they let her go; ſhe not being able to continue her Voyage, returned back: […]

5. 5
   noun

   An honour or reward striven for in a competitive contest; anything offered to be competed for, or as an inducement to, or reward of, effort.

   I fought and conquer’d, yet have lost the prize.

6. 6
   noun

   That which may be won by chance, as in a lottery.

   Cecil Rhodes […] was never tired of impressing upon one that the fact of being an Englishman was “the greatest prize in the lottery of life,” and that it was that thought which always sustained him when he was troubled.

7. 7
   noun

   Anything worth striving for; a valuable possession held or in prospect.

   I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

8. 8
   noun

   A contest for a reward; competition.

   Like one of two contending in a prize, That thinks he hath done well in people's eyes […]

Etymology

From Middle English prise, from Old French prise (“a taking, capture, a seizure, a thing seized, a prize, booty, also hold, purchase”), past participle of prendre (“to take, to capture”), from Latin prēndere (“to take, seize”); see prehend. Compare prison, apprise, comprise, enterprise, purprise, reprisal, surprise, etc. Doublet of prise.