To prosecute by law; to commence legal proceedings against a party. It is ap- plied almost exclusively to the institution and prosecution of a civil action. See Chal- lenor v. Niles, 78 III. 78; Murphy v. Cochran, 1 Ilill (X. Y.) 3-12; Kuklence v. Voeht, 4 I’a. Co. Ct. It. 372; U. S. v. Moore (C. C.) 11 Fed. 251.