DictionarysuitLegal action
noun

suit

An earnest appeal seeking another's favorable response.

He presses his suit for her hand in marriage.

Etymology

The older word concerns following or pursuing. An earnest suit pursues a favorable answer through petition or appeal.

More examples

  • She listens patiently to his suit for forgiveness.
  • The queen grants the farmer's suit for mercy.
  • His suit for her favor meets with a polite refusal.

Forms

suit · suits

suitor noun — Someone seeking another person's love or favor.

Similar words

appeal
A broader, more everyday term for requesting help or support.
plea
Emphasizes the urgency or emotion behind an earnest request.
petition
Usually a formal written request addressed to an authority.