[puh-tish-uh
n] 
| 1. | a formally drawn request, often bearing the names of a number of those making the request, that is addressed to a person or group of persons in authority or power, soliciting some favor, right, mercy, or other benefit: a petition for clemency; a petition for the repeal of an unfair law. |
| 2. | a request made for something desired, esp. a respectful or humble request, as to a superior or to one of those in authority; a supplication or prayer: a petition for aid; a petition to God for courage and strength. |
| 3. | something that is sought by request or entreaty: to receive one's full petition. |
| 4. | Law. an application for a court order or for some judicial action. |
| 5. | to beg for or request (something). |
| 6. | to address a formal petition to (a sovereign, a legislative body, etc.): He received everything for which he had petitioned the king. |
| 7. | to ask by petition for (something). |
| 8. | to present a petition. |
| 9. | to address or present a formal petition. |
| 10. | to request or solicit, as by a petition: to petition for redress of grievances. |
| pe·ti·tion (pə-tĭsh'ən) n.
v. tr.
To make a request, especially formally: petitioned for retrial. [Middle English peticion, from Old French petition, from Latin petītiō, petītiōn-, from petītus, past participle of petere, to request; see pet- in Indo-European roots.] pe·ti'tion·ar'y (pə-tĭsh'ə-něr'ē) adj., pe·ti'tion·er n. |