SIEGE, n. L. sigillum.
1. The setting of an army around or before a fortified place for the purpose of compelling the garrison to surrender or the surrounding or investing of a place by an army, and approaching it by passages and advanced works, which cover the besiegers from the enemy's fire. A siege differs from a blockade, as in a siege the investing army approaches the fortified place to attach and reduce it by force but in a blockade, the army secures all the avenues to the place to intercept all supplies, and waits till famine compels the garrison to surrender.
2. Any continued endeavor to gain possession. Love stood the siege, and would not yield his breast.
3. Seat throne.
4. Rank place class.
5. Stool. Not in use.
SIEGE, 5 t. To besiege. Not in use.