prize
I. prize1 (prīz)n. 1. Something offered or won as an award for superiority or victory, as in a contest or competition. 2. Something worth striving for; a highly desirable possession.adj. 1. Offered or given as a prize: a prize cup. 2. Given a prize, or likely to win a prize: a prize cow. 3. Worthy of a prize; first-class: our prize azaleas.tr.v. prized, priz·ing, priz·es 1. To value highly; esteem or treasure. See Synonyms at appreciate. 2. To estimate the worth of; evaluate. [Alteration of Middle English pris, value, price, reward. See price.] II. prize2 (prīz)n. 1. Something seized by force or taken as booty, especially an enemy ship and its cargo captured at sea during wartime. 2. The act of seizing; capture. [Alteration of Middle English prise, from Old French, from feminine past participle of prendre, from Latin prehendere, prēndere, to seize. See ghend- in Indo-European Roots.] III. prize3 also prise (prīz)tr.v. prized, also prised priz·ing, pris·ing priz·es, pris·es To move or force with or as if with a lever; pry.n. 1. Leverage. 2. Chiefly Southern U.S. Something used as a lever or for prying. [From Middle English prise, instrument for prying, probably from prise, the taking of something. See prize2.]
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