sue

Meaning

Verb

• To file a legal action against someone, generally a non-criminal action.
• To seek by request; to make application; to petition; to entreat; to plead.
• To clean (the beak, etc.).
• To leave high and dry on shore.
• To court.
• To follow.

Origin

• From Middle English seuen, sewen, siwen, borrowed from Anglo-Norman suer, siwer et al. and Old French sivre ( > French suivre), from Vulgar Latin *sequere, from Latin sequi. Cognate with Italian seguire and Spanish seguir. segue. Related to suit.