n. & v.
--n.
1. (foll. by of) a person who supports or speaks in favour.
2 a person who pleads for another.
3 a a professional pleader in a court of justice. b Sc. a barrister.
--v.tr.
1. recommend or support by argument (a cause, policy, etc.).
2 plead for, defend.
Derivatives:
advocateship n. advocatory adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF avocat f. L advocatus past part. of advocare (as AD-, vocare call)