a prayer; a supplication; an imploration; an entreaty; especially, a request of a solemn or formal kind; a prayer to the supreme being, or to a person of superior power, rank, or authority; also, a single clause in such a prayer.-a formal written request addressed to an official person, or to an organized body, having power to grant it; specifically (law), a supplication to government, in either of its branches, for the granting of a particular grace or right; -- in distinction from a memorial, which calls certain facts to mind; also, the written document.-to make a prayer or request to; to ask from; to solicit; to entreat; especially, to make a formal written supplication, or application to, as to any branch of the government; as, to petition the court; to petition the governor.-to make a petition or solicitation.