n. & v.
--n.
1. a supplication or request.
2 a formal written request, esp. one signed by many people, appealing to authority in some cause.
3 Law an application to a court for a writ etc.
--v.
1. tr. make or address a petition to (petition your MP).
2 intr. (often foll. by for, to) appeal earnestly or humbly.
Phrases and idioms:
Petition of Right
1. hist. a parliamentary declaration of rights and liberties of the people assented to by Charles I in 1628.
2 Law a common-law remedy against the crown for the recovery of property.
Derivatives:
petitionable adj. petitionary adj. petitioner n.
Etymology: ME f. OF f. L petitio -onis