Seize \Seize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Seized; p. pr. & vb. n. Seizing.]

[OE. seisen, saisen, OF. seisir, saisir, F. saisir, of Teutonic origin, and akin to E. set. The meaning is properly, to set, put, place, hence, to put in possession of. See Set, v. t.]

1. To fall or rush upon suddenly and lay hold of; to gripe or grasp suddenly; to reach and grasp.

For by no means the high bank he could seize. --Spenser.

Seek you to seize and gripe into your hands The royalties and rights of banished Hereford? --Shak.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)