Main Entry: ¹pe·ti·tion

Pronunciation: \pə-ˈti-shən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin petition-, petitio, from petere to seek, request — more at feather

Date: 14th century

1 : an earnest request : entreaty
2 a : a formal written request made to an official person or organized body (as a court) b : a document embodying such a formal written request
3 : something asked or requested

— pe·ti·tion·ary \-ˈti-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective