petitioner
(pɪˈtɪʃənə(r))
[f. petition n. + -er2: cf. pensioner, commissioner, etc., and med.L. petītiōnārius beggar, f. petītiōn-em petition.
In earlier use than petition v., but, after the introduction of the latter, naturally viewed as its agent-n. in -er1.]
1. One who presents a petition; one who petitions.
For quot. 1414, cf. petition n. 3 b.
| 1414 Rolls of Parlt. IV. 22 Consideringe that the Comune of youre lond..ben as well Assentirs as Peticioners. 1553 T. Wilson Rhet. Ep. A ij b, I shal be a continuall peticioner vnto almyghtye God for your preseruation. 1647 Ward Simp. Cobler 14, I would be understood..an humble Petitioner, that ignorant and tender conscienced Anabaptists may have due time and means of conviction. 1792 Anecd. W. Pitt I. viii. 182 The relief desired by the petitioners. 1855 Macaulay Hist. Eng. xvi. III. 714 Some petitioners asked to be heard by counsel. |
b. Hist. One of those who signed the address, also called Addressers (cf. quot. 1681 s.v. addresser) to Charles II in 1680, petitioning for the summoning of Parliament. Opposed to abhorrer 2.
| 1757–1870 [see abhorrer 2]. |
2. Law. a. A plaintiff in an action commenced by petition. b. A petitioning creditor.
| 1503 Rolls of Parlt. VI. 526/1 By whiche longe tracte of tyme, the said Sueters and Peticioners were and shulde be discomforted. 1593 Shakes. 2 Hen. VI, i. iii. 26 Alas Sir, I am but a poore Petitioner of our whole Towneship. 1764–7 [see petitionee]. 1845 Polson Eng. Law in Encycl. Metrop. II. 835/1 Praying his lordship to issue his fiat, authorizing the petitioner, as such creditor, to prosecute his complaint in her Majesty's Court of Bankruptcy. 1876 Bancroft Hist. U.S. IV. li. 286 The question as presented by Dunning was already decided in favor of the petitioners. Mod. Rep. Divorce Crt., The judge pronounced a decree nisi, the petitioner to have the custody of the children. |