n.
- a formal written request, typically signed by many people, appealing to authority in respect of a cause.
▸an appeal or request.
- Law an application to a court for a writ, judicial action in a suit, etc.
v.
make or present a petition to.
Derivative
- petitionary adj.
- petitioner n.
Etymology
ME: from L. petitio(n-), from petit-, petere ‘aim at, seek, lay claim to’.