si:dʒ n. 1 a a
military operation in
which an attacking force seeks to
compel the surrender of a fortified
place by surrounding it
and cutting off supplies etc. b a
similar operation by
police etc. to force the surrender of an armed
person. c the
period during which a siege lasts. 2 a
persistent attack or
campaign of
persuasion. ølay siege to
esp.
Mil.
conduct the siege
of.
raise the siege of
abandon or
cause the abandonment of an
attempt to
take (a place) by siege. siege-gun
hist. a
heavy gun used in sieges. siege-train
artillery and
other equipment for a siege,
with vehicles etc. [ME f. OF sege
seat f. assegier BESIEGE]