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). praying mantis see MANTIS.
[ ME f. OF preier f. LL precare f. L precari entreat ]