allege

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to report or maintain

   The couple alleged that they were the victim of a crime.

2. 2
   verb

   To adduce (something) as a reason, excuse, support etc.

   I will further alleage a storie[…]to make us palpably feele his naturall condition.

3. 3
   verb

   To make a claim as justification or proof; to make an assertion without proof.

   The agency alleged that my credit history had problems.

4. 4
   verb

   To lighten, diminish.

   and suffir never your soveraynté to be alledged with your subjects,

5. 5
   verb

   To state under oath, to plead.

6. 6
   verb

   To cite or quote an author or his work for or against.

Etymology

From Middle English aleggen, perhaps from Old French alleguer, or from Anglo-Norman aleger, the form perhaps from Old French esligier (“to acquit”), from Medieval Latin *exlītigāre (“to clear at law”), from Latin ex (“out”) + lītigō (“sue at law”), but the meaning from Old French alleguer, from Latin allēgāre (“send on a mission, depute; relate, mention, adduce”), from ad (“to”) + lēgō (“send”).