suffrage

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the legal right to vote in political elections

   The reform movement demanded universal suffrage for all adult citizens.

2. 2
   noun

   a vote or expression of support in a collective decision

   The proposal passed by the suffrage of a clear majority.

3. 3
   noun

   an intercessory prayer, especially one offered for the dead

   The community offered a suffrage for those who had died during the epidemic.

Appears in

Simplified etymology

Suffrage entered English in the late Middle Ages from Latin suffragium, which meant both “support” and “right to vote” and was formed from suf-, “under” or “near,” and fragor, “din” or “shout of approval.” Under medieval Latin influence, it first referred in English to prayers for the dead and intercession. The voting sense returned in the mid-16th century, followed by “right to vote” late in that century.

From Middle English suffrage, 'intercessory prayer or support,' through Old French from Latin suffrāgium, 'support, vote, or right of voting.' The political sense continues the Latin meaning; the prayer sense developed through medieval Church usage.

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• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary