Main Entry: ¹ap·peal

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈpēl\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English appel, from Anglo-French apel, from apeler

Date: 13th century

1 : a legal proceeding by which a case is brought before a higher court for review of the decision of a lower court
2 : a criminal accusation
3 a : an application (as to a recognized authority) for corroboration, vindication, or decision b : an earnest plea : entreaty <an appeal for help> c : an organized request for donations <the annual appeal>
4 : the power of arousing a sympathetic response : attraction <movies had a great appeal for him>