1. A multi-hash apparatus for use with a pattern search engine, comprising: a plurality of rule banks including at least one transition rule bank and at least one default rule bank, each said rule bank operative to store pattern context rules; a lookup circuit operative to perform a plurality of lookups for an input character on said plurality of rule banks, each lookup performed on either a transition rule bank or a default rule bank; and a hash circuit operative to determine a highest priority rule from among said plurality of lookups, said highest priority rule determining the next state of said pattern search engine.