petition

Definition of petition

a formal written request, typically one signed by many people, appealing to authority in respect of a particular cause:she was asked to sign a petition against plans to build on the local playing fields
an appeal or request to a deity or a superior: a steady stream of petitions to Allah were audible
Law an application to a court for a writ, judicial action in a suit, etc.:a divorce petition

[with object] (often petition someone/thing for)

present a petition to (an authority) in respect of a particular cause:the organization is petitioning the EU for a moratorium on the patent [with object and infinitive]:the islanders petitioned the government to help them leave St Kilda
make an appeal to (a deity or superior):a Highland chief petitioned her father for her hand in marriage
Law make a formal application to (a court) for a writ, judicial action in a suit, etc.:the custodial parent petitioned the court for payment of the arrears [no object]:the Act allowed couples to petition for divorce after one year of marriage

Derivatives

Middle English: from Latin petitio(n-), from petit- 'aimed at, sought, laid claim to', from the verb petere

Definition of petition in the US English dictionary