v. t.
Do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. Matt. v. 44. [ 1913 Webster ]
adj. Same as oppressed.
n. [ F. persécution, L. persecutio. ]
Persecution produces no sincere conviction. Paley. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ L.: cf. F. persécuteur. ] One who persecutes, or harasses. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ L. ] A woman who persecutes. [ 1913 Webster ]