prize (n.1) Look up prize at Dictionary.com
"reward," 1590s, alteration of M.E. prise (c.1300 in this sense; see price). Prize-fighter is from 1703; prize-fight from 1824. Prized "highly esteemed" is from 1538.
prize (n.2) Look up prize at Dictionary.com
"something taken by force," late 14c., from O.Fr. prise "a taking, seizing, holding," prop. fem. pp. of prendre "to take, seize," from L. prendere, contraction of prehendere (see prehensile). Especially of ships captured at sea (1512).
prize (v.) Look up prize at Dictionary.com
"to estimate," 1586, alteration of M.E. prisen "to prize, value," from stem of O.Fr. preisier (see praise).