Category:Solicit

So*lic"it, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Solicited; p. pr. & vb. n. Soliciting.] Etym: [f. sollicier, l. sollicitare, solicitare, -atum, Fr. sollicitus wholly (i. e., violently) moved; sollus whole + citus, P. p. of ciere to move, excite. See solemn, cite.]

1. To ask from with earnestness; to make petition to; to apply to for Obtaining something; as, to solicit person for alms. Did i solicit thee from darkness to promote me milton.

2. To endeavor to obtain; to seek; to plead for; as, to solicit an Office; to solicit a favor. I view my crime, but kindle at the view, repent old pleasures, and Solicit new. Pope.

3. To awake or excite to action; to rouse desire in; to summon; to Appeal to; to invite. That fruit. . . solicited her longing eye. Milton. Sounds and some tangible qualities solicit their proper senses, and Force an entrance to the mind. Locke.

4. To urge the claims of; to plead; to act as solicitor for or with Reference to. [obs.] Should my brother henceforth study to forget the vow that he hath Made thee, i would ever solicit thy deserts. Ford.

5. To disturb; to disquiet; -- a latinism rarely used. Hath any ill solicited thine ears chapman. But anxious fears solicit my weak breast. Dryden.

Syn. To beseech; ask; request; crave; supplicate; entreat; beg; Implore; importune. See beseech.