prosecution (n.)youdaoicibaDictYouDict[prosecution 词源字典]
1560s, "action of pursuing," from Middle French prosecution (late 13c.) and directly from Late Latin prosecutionem (nominative prosecutio) "a following," noun of action from past participle stem of prosequi (see prosecute). Meaning "legal action" is from 1630s.[prosecution etymology, prosecution origin, 英语词源]