petition

The definition of a petition is a formal written request to a superior by a number of people for a specific purpose.

(noun)

An example of a petition is someone gathering signatures to submit to voting authorities to put a measure on a ballot.

See petition in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a solemn, earnest supplication or request to a superior or deity or to a person or group in authority; prayer or entreaty
a formal writing or document embodying such a request, addressed to a specific person or group and often signed by a number of petitioners
something that is asked or entreated: to grant a petition
Law a written formal request or plea in which specific court action is asked for: a petition for rehearing

Origin: OFr < L petitio (gen. petitionis) < petere, to seek, rush at, fall: see feather

transitive verb

intransitive verb

to make a petition

Related Forms:

See petition in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A solemn supplication or request to a superior authority; an entreaty.
A formal written document requesting a right or benefit from a person or group in authority.
Law
a. A formal written application requesting a court for a specific judicial action: a petition for appeal.
b. The judicial action asked for in any such request.
Something requested or entreated.

verb pe·ti·tioned, pe·ti·tion·ing, pe·ti·tions

verb, transitive