subs. phr. (common).—The pursuit of anything unprofitable or absurd; a blind hunt. [DYCE: Orig. ‘a kind of horse-race, in which two horses were started together, and whichever rider could get the lead, the other was obliged to follow him over whatever ground he chose to go.’]
1595. SHAKESPEARE, Romeo and Juliet, ii. 4. If our wits run the WILD-GOOSE CHASE, I have done; for thou hast more of the wild-goose in one of thy wits, than I have in my whole five.
fl. 1650. R. FLETCHER, Poems, 202.
| No hints of truth on foot? no sparks of grace? | |
| No late sprung light? to dance the WILD-GOOSE CHASE? |
