pɪˈtɪʃən 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. øPetition 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. øøpetitionable adj. petitionary adj. petitioner n. [ME f. OF f. L petitio -onis]