petition

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A formal written request, usually signed by many people, asking an authority to do something.

   Thousands signed the petition to save the local hospital.

2. 2
   verb

   To make a formal request to an authority.

   The villagers petitioned the council to repair the road.

3. 3
   noun

   (law) A formal application made to a court, such as one for divorce.

   She filed a petition for divorce last month.

From Middle English, borrowed from Old French peticiun, from stem of Latin petitio, petitionem (“a request, solicitation”), from petere (“to require, seek, go forward”).

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