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.

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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