chivy

/ ˈtʃɪvɪ /

verb

1. tr to harass or nag
2. tr to hunt
3. intr to run about

noun

1. a hunt
2. obsolete.
   a hunting cry

Word History and Origins

Origin of chivy¹

C19: variant of chevy, probably from Chevy Chase, title of a Scottish border ballad

Example Sentences

He, almost alone, did not spend the final few minutes bellowing and barking and chivying and chiding: There was not a drop of energy left in his body.

From New York Times

He would routinely chivy his friends into the ring in order to engage in tests of strength.

From Washington Post

Progress isn’t as far advanced as it is on the OECD’s parallel project to clamp down on private-banking tax havens, but it is already showing signs of chivying companies into action.

From Wall Street Journal

He continued to chivy the sausage, his face deep in his book, as the front door let out a loud wha-pop!

From Literature

She chivvies the youngest by telling him that a lion is pacing right behind.

From Economist

Related Words

• drive
• drive away
• expel
• follow
• go after
• hound
• hunt
• run down
• rush
• tear
• track
• trail