v. (often foll. by for or to + infin. or that + clause)
1. intr. (often foll. by to) say prayers (to God etc.); make devout supplication.
2 a tr. entreat, beseech. b tr. & intr. ask earnestly (prayed to be released).
3 tr. (as imper.) archaic & formal please (pray tell me).
Phrases and idioms:
praying mantis see MANTIS.
Etymology: ME f. OF preier f. LL precare f. L precari entreat