[f. prec. sb.: cf. F. capture-r. Not in Johnson, 1755–73; replaces CAPTIVE v.]
trans. To make a capture of; to take prisoner; to catch by force, surprise or stratagem; to seize as a prize in war.
1795. Southey, Joan of Arc, III. 121. His bravest Chiefs Or slain or captured.
1814. Wellington, Lett., in Gurw., Disp., XII. 8. The value of the property so captured.
1850. Prescott, Peru, II. 175. To disperse the enemy, and, if possible, to capture their leader.
1879. Lubbock, Sci. Lect., i. 5. To capture small aquatic animals.
fig. 1873. Black, Pr. Thule, xviii. 281. As if women were to be captured by millinery!
1882. Hinsdale, Garfield & Educ., I. 60. He took great pleasure in ‘capturing boys,’ as he called it.
Hence Captured ppl. a.; Capturing ppl. a., etc.
1795. Southey, Joan of Arc, VI. 168. Of every captured town the keys Restore.
1820. Hoyle’s Games Impr., 357. Should all the captured pieces not be taken off the board.
1855. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., IV. 240. The English … turned the captured guns against the shore.
1800. Ld. Spencer, in Nicolas, Disp. Nelson (1845), IV. 225, note. The capturing Squadron.
1864. Morning Star, 2 Feb. The capturing of vessels when not carrying contraband of war was unlawful.
