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 : entreaty2 a: a formal written request made to an official person or organized body (as a court) b: a document embodying such a formal written request3: something asked or requested

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