v. 1 tr. call for an answer to or about (ask her about it; ask him his name; ask a question of him). 2 tr. seek to obtain from another person (ask a favour of; ask to be allowed). 3 tr. (usu. foll. by out or over, or to (a function etc.)) invite; request the company of (must ask them over; asked her to dinner). 4 intr. (foll. by for) seek to obtain, meet, or be directed to (ask for a donation; ask for the post office; asking for you). 5 tr. archaic require (a thing). ask after inquire about (esp. a person). ask for it sl. invite trouble. asking price the price of an object set by the seller. ask me another colloq. I do not know. for the asking (obtainable) for nothing. I ask you! an exclamation of disgust, surprise, etc. if you ask me colloq. in my opinion. asker n.
[ OE ascian etc. f. WG ]