siege
1. siege \'se-j\ n [ME sege, fr. OF, seat, blockade, fr. (assumed) VL sedicum, fr. ]sedicare, to settle, fr. L sede-re to sit - more at SIT obs 1: a seat of distinction : THRONE 2a: a military blockade of a city or fortified place to compel it to surren der 2b: a persistent attack (as of illness) 2. siege vt : BESIEGE