sue: [13] Sue, like its close relative pursue, originally meant ‘follow’ (‘My wickednesses ever follow me, as men may see the shadow a body sue’, Thomas Hoccleve, Complaint 1421). It comes via Anglo-Norman suer from Vulgar Latin *sequere ‘follow’, an alteration of Latin sequī ‘follow’ (source also of English consecutive, ensue [14], persecute, pursue, sequence, sect, set, suit, etc). Its legal use, which emerged in the 14th century, is based on the notion of ‘following’ up a matter in court (a similar inspiration underlies the related prosecute). => consecutive, ensue, persecute, prosecute, pursue, sect, sequence, set, suit
sue (v.)
c. 1200, "continue, persevere," from Anglo-French suer "follow after, continue," Old French suir, sivre "pursue, follow after, sue in court" (Modern French suivre), from Vulgar Latin *sequere "follow," from Latin sequi "follow" (see sequel). Sense of "start a lawsuit against" first recorded c. 1300, on notion of "following up" a matter in court. Sometimes short for ensue or pursue. Meaning "make entreaty, petition, plead" (usually with for) is from late 14c. Related: Sued; suing.
Sue
fem. proper name, a shortened or familiar form of Susan.