Word Direct Answers

What does "solicit" mean?

Solicit: 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.

Additional senses

  1. 2.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.
  2. 3.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.
  3. 4.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.

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