An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

To chase or search for (game or other wild animals) for the purpose of catching or killing (Dictionary.com). See also → poach, → poaching.

Etymology (EN): M.E, hunten, from O.E. huntian “chase game,” from hunta “hunter,” and related to hentan “to pursue.”

Etymology (PE): Šekâridan, šekâr kardan, from šekâr “hunt;” variant bešgar(d) “hunter, fowler; chase; game; place for hunting;” Parthian Mid.Pers. škr “to hunt, pursuit;”
Sogdian škr-, (’)škr- “to lead, take; pursue, persecute,” prefixed ‘pškr- “to chase;” Proto-Ir. *skar- “to pursue, drive, look for (the cattle);” + -gar, → -or.