So-līç'it, v. t.

v. t. [imp. & p. p. SOLICITED; p. pr. & vb. n. SOLICITING.] [Fr. solliciter, Pr. sollicitar, Sp. & Pg. sollicitar, It. sollicitare, sollicitare, Lat. sollicitare, solicitare, from sollicitus, wholly (i. e., violently) moved, from Oscan sollus, whole, and citus, p. p. of ciēre, to move, excite.]

1Sense 1. To ask from with earnestness; to make petition to; to apply to for obtaining something.

Did I solicit thee From darkness to promote me? Milton.

2Sense 2. To endeavor to obtain; to seek; as, to solicit an office; to solicit a favor.

I view my crime, but kindle at the view, Repeat old pleasures, and solicit new. Pope.

3Sense 3. To awake or excite to action; to summon; 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.

4Sense 4. To enforce 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 desert. Ford.

5Sense 5. To disturb; to disquiet;—a Latinism rarely used.

Hath any ill solicited thine ears? Chapman.

But anxious fears solicit my weak breast. Dryden.

Synonyms—To beseech; ask; request; crave; supplicate; entreat; beg; implore; importune. See BESEECH.