I. pə-ˈti-shən noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin petition-, petitio, from petere to seek, request — more at feather
Date: 14th century
1. : an earnest request : entreaty
2.
a. : a formal written request made to an official person or organized body (as a court)
b. : a document embodying such a formal written request
3. : something asked or requested
• pe·ti·tion·ary -ˈti-shə-ˌner-ē adjective
II. verb
( pe·ti·tioned ; pe·ti·tion·ing -ˈti-sh(ə-)niŋ)
Date: 1607
transitive verb
: to make a request to : solicit
intransitive verb
: to make a request ; especially : to make a formal written request
• pe·ti·tion·er -sh(ə-)nər noun