I. ˈsəfrij, -rēj, ÷ ˈsəfər- noun
( -s )
Etymology: in senses 1 & 2, from Middle English, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin suffragium vote, support, assistance, prayer for intercession, from Latin, vote, political support, interest, probably from sub- + fragor noise (of vote by acclamation); in other senses, from Latin suffragium — more at bray
1. : an intercessory prayer or petition (as in a liturgy) — usually used in plural
2. obsolete : aid , help , assistance
3.
a. : a vote of assent given by a member of a body to a proposal or nomination — usually used in plural
b. : an opinion or decision in favor of a person or thing : approval , sanction
4. : an object (as a pebble or paper ballot) used for voting
5.
a. : the vote or opinion of a group of persons : consensus
b. : a vote given in deciding a controverted question or election : the casting of a vote
no state shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the senate — U.S. Constitution
refrain from any word that may … influence your suffrages in the election — Edward Gibbon
6. : the right or privilege of voting in political matters or the exercise of such right ; especially : the right or power to participate in electing public officials and adopting or rejecting legislation in a representative form of government : franchise — see manhood suffrage , universal suffrage , woman suffrage
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin suffragare, suffragari; akin to Latin suffragium vote, support
intransitive verb
obsolete : to give one's vote, approval, or support
transitive verb
archaic : to elect, sanction, or support by one's suffrage