Meaning

• Noun

  1. An application to a superior court or judge for a decision or order by an inferior court or judge to be reviewed and overturned.
  2. The legal document or form by which such an application is made; also, the court case in which the application is argued.
  3. A person's legal right to apply to court for such a review.
  4. An accusation or charge against someone for wrongdoing (especially treason).
  5. A process which formerly might be instituted by one private person against another for some heinous crime demanding punishment for the particular injury suffered, rather than for the offence against the public; an accusation.
  6. At common law, an accusation made against a felon by one of their accomplices (called an approver).
  7. A call to a person or an authority for a decision, help, or proof; an entreaty, an invocation.
  8. A call to a person or an authority for a decision, help, or proof; an entreaty, an invocation.
  9. A resort to some physical means; a recourse.
  10. A power to attract or interest.
  11. A call to, or the use of, a principle or quality for purposes of persuasion.
  12. A summons to defend one's honour in a duel, or one's innocence in a trial by combat; a challenge.

• Verb