n. & v.
n. 1 a supplication or request. 2 a formal written request, esp. one signed by many people, appealing to authority in some cause. 3 Law an application to a court for a writ etc.
v. 1 tr. make or address a petition to (petition your MP). 2 intr. (often foll. by for, to) appeal earnestly or humbly. Petition of Right 1 hist. a parliamentary declaration of rights and liberties of the people assented to by Charles I in 1628. 2 Law a common-law remedy against the crown for the recovery of property. petitionable adj. petitionary adj. petitioner n.
[ ME f. OF f. L petitio -onis ]