chivy

/ˈchi-vē/

chivy, noun, chase, hunt, probably from English dialect Chevy Chase chase, confusion, from the name of a ballad describing the battle of Otterburn (1388)

verb

  1. to tease or annoy with persistent petty attacks

  2. to move or obtain by small maneuvers

bait badger heckle hector chivy hound mean to harass by efforts to break down. bait implies wanton cruelty or delight in persecuting a helpless victim. badger implies pestering so as to drive a person to confusion or frenzy.