/ ˈpleɪntɪv; NAmE / adjective
sounding sad, especially in a weak complaining way
SYN mournful :
a plaintive cry / voice
► plaint·ive·ly adverb
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French plaintif , -ive , from plainte lamentation, feminine past participle of plaindre complain, or from Old French plaint , from Latin planctus beating of the breast.