n.
Pronunciation: ə - ' p ē l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English appel, from Anglo-French apel, from apeler
Date: 13th century
1 : a legal proceeding by which a case is brought before a higher court for review of the decision of a lower court
2 : a criminal accusation
3 a : an application (as to a recognized authority) for corroboration, vindication, or decision b : an earnest plea : ENTREATY <an appeal for help> c : an organized request for donations <the annual appeal >
4 : the power of arousing a sympathetic response : ATTRACTION <movies had a great appeal for him>