'pursuit' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'poursuite', ultimately from Latin 'prosequi', where 'pro-' meant 'forward' and 'sequi' meant 'to follow'.

'pursuit' changed from Old French 'poursuite' (Medieval French) into Middle English forms such as 'pursute'/'pursuite' and eventually became the modern English word 'pursuit'.

Initially, it meant 'the act of following or chasing'; over time it broadened to include 'the activities or endeavors one follows' (e.g., hobbies, occupations).