petition

 
Pronunciation: /pɪˈtɪʃ(ə)n/

noun

  • 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

verb

[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

petitionary

adjective

petitioner

noun

Origin:

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