petition
1. pe.ti.tion \p*-'tish-*n\ \-'tish-*-.ner-e-\ n [ME, fr. MF, fr. L petition-, petitio, fr. petitus, pp. of Xpetere to seek, request - more at FEATHER 1: an earnest request : ENTREATY 2a: a formal written request made to a superior 2b: a document embodying such a formal written request 3: something asked or requested - pe.ti.tion.ary aj 2. petition \-'tish-(*-)nin\ \-'tish-(*-)n*r\ vb or pe.ti.tion.ing : to make a request to or for : SOLICIT : to make a request; esp : to make a formal written request - pe.ti.tion.er n
Webster's English Dictionary