n.1 a the right of voting in political elections (full adult suffrage). b a view expressed by voting; a vote (gave their suffrages for and against). c opinion in support of a proposal etc.
2 (esp. in pl.) Eccl. a a prayer made by a priest in the liturgy. b a short prayer made by a congregation esp. in response to a priest. c archaic an intercessory prayer.
Etymology: ME f. L suffragium, partly through F suffrage