a formal written request made to somebody in authority, e.g. a government, esp one made by a large number of people
a document embodying such a request, usu signed by a large number of people
an earnest request; an entreaty
a formal request for legal action addressed to a court
something asked or requested
the act of requesting something
petitionary adj
[Middle English via French from Latin petition-, petitio, from petere to seek, request, demand]