transitive verb alleged -·leged′, alleging -·leg′·ing

1. to assert positively, or declare; affirm; esp., to assert without proof
2. to offer as a plea, excuse, etc. in his defense he alleged temporary insanity
3. Archaic to cite as an authority (for or against)

Etymology: ME aleggen, to produce as evidence; form < OFr esligier < VL *exlitigare < L ex-, out of + litigare (see litigate); meaning infl. by OFr alleguer, declare on oath < L allegare, to send, mention, adduce < ad-, to + legare, to send: see legate