Plāint, n.
n. [N. Fr. plainte, O. Fr. plaint, plainct, Pr. planch, O. Sp. planto, N. Sp. llanto, Pg. pranto, It. pianto, Lat. planctus, from plangere, planctum. See PLAIN, v. i., supra.]
Sense 1. Audible expression of sorrow; lamentation; complaint; an accusation or protest on account of an injury received.
There are three just grounds of war with Spain: one of plaints, two upon defense. Bacon.
From inward grief His bursting passion into plaints thus poured. Milton.
Sense 2. A sad or serious song.
When granite molders, and when records fail, A peasant’s plaint prolongs his dubious date. Byron.
Sense 3. (Law.) A private memorial tendered to a court, in which the person sets forth his cause of action; the exhibiting of an action in writing. Blackstone.