Definition of: steeplechase

(stē′pəl·chās′) noun
1. A race on horseback across country, in which obstacles are to be leaped: originating from a race to see which of several riders could first reach a distant church steeple.
2. A race over a course artificially prepared, as with hedges, rails, and water jumps.
3. Any cross–country run.
—stee′ple·chas′ing noun