01 v. t. To fall or rush upon suddenly and lay hold of; to gripe or grasp suddenly; to reach and grasp.
imp. & p. p.
Seized; p. pr. & vb. n.
Seizing
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2.
To take possession of by force.“At last they seize The scepter, and regard not David's sons.” — Milton.
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3.
To invade suddenly; to take sudden hold of; to come upon suddenly; as, a fever seizes a patient.“Hope and deubt alternate seize her seul.” — Pope.
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4.
To take possession of by virtue of a warrant or other legal authority; as, the sheriff seized the debtor's goods.(law)
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5.
To fasten; to fix.[Obs.]“As when a bear hath seized her cruel claws Upon the carcass of some beast too weak.” — Spenser.
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6.
To grap with the mind; to comprehend fully and distinctly; as, to seize an idea.
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7.
To bind or fasten together with a lashing of small stuff, as yarn or marline; as, to seize ropes.(Naut.)
Phrases & compounds
To be seized of —
to have possession, or right of possession; as, A B was seized and possessed of the manor of Dale.
To seize on —
to fall on and grasp; to take hold on; to take possession of suddenly and forcibly.