əˈlej also aˈ- transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English alleggen, modification (influenced by Old French alegier to acquit, from Late Latin allegare to free from servitude by adducing reasons, from Latin, to cite, adduce) of Old French alleguer, from Latin allegare to cite, adduce
1. archaic : to state under oath : plead in court
2.
a. : to state or declare as if under oath positively and assuredly but without offering complete proof
b. : to assert, affirm, state without proof or before proving
alleged that the suspect is a kidnaper
the newspaper alleges the mayor's guilt
3. archaic : to adduce or bring forward (as a source or authority) especially for or against
his Muse can allege most of “the apologies of Aristophanes” — T.L.Peacock
4. : to bring forward as a cause or reason especially for excusing oneself from blame, reproach, or dislike
when she turned to him for help … he perhaps justly alleged that he had troubles of his own — Gamaliel Bradford
Synonyms: see cite