Prize fighting

Prize Prize (pr[imac]z), n. [F. prise a seizing, hold, grasp, fr. pris, p. p. of prendre to take, L. prendere, prehendere; in some senses, as 2 (b), either from, or influenced by, F. prix price. See {Prison}, {Prehensile}, and cf. {Pry}, and also {Price}.] [1913 Webster]

1. That which is taken from another; something captured; a thing seized by force, stratagem, or superior power. [1913 Webster]

I will depart my pris, or my prey, by deliberation. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

His own prize, Whom formerly he had in battle won. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]

2. Hence, specifically; (a) (Law) Anything captured by a belligerent using the rights of war; esp., property captured at sea in virtue of the rights of war, as a vessel. --Kent. --Brande & C. (b) An honor or reward striven for in a competitive contest; anything offered to be competed for, or as an inducement to, or reward of, effort. [1913 Webster]

I'll never wrestle for prize more. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

I fought and conquered, yet have lost the prize. --Dryden. [1913 Webster] (c) That which may be won by chance, as in a lottery. [1913 Webster]

3. Anything worth striving for; a valuable possession held or in prospect. [1913 Webster]

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. --Phil. iii. 14. [1913 Webster]

4. A contest for a reward; competition. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]

5. A lever; a pry; also, the hold of a lever. [Written also {prise}.] [1913 Webster]

{Prize court}, a court having jurisdiction of all captures made in war on the high seas. --Bouvier.

{Prize fight}, an exhibition contest, esp. one of pugilists, for a stake or wager.

{Prize fighter}, one who fights publicly for a reward; -- applied esp. to a professional boxer or pugilist. --Pope.

{Prize fighting}, fighting, especially boxing, in public for a reward or wager.

{Prize master}, an officer put in charge or command of a captured vessel.

{Prize medal}, a medal given as a prize.

{Prize money}, a dividend from the proceeds of a captured vessel, etc., paid to the captors.

{Prize ring}, the ring or inclosure for a prize fight; the system and practice of prize fighting.

{To make prize of}, to capture. --Hawthorne. [1913 Webster]