v. (solicited, soliciting) 1 tr. & (foll. by for) intr. ask repeatedly or earnestly for or seek or invite (business etc.). 2 tr. (often foll. by for) make a request or petition to (a person). 3 tr. accost (a person) and offer one's services as a prostitute. solicitation n.
[ ME f. OF solliciter f. L sollicitare agitate f. sollicitus anxious f. sollus entire + citus past part., = set in motion ]