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American Dictionary of the English Language

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Plaint


PLAINT, noun [Latin plango, to strike, to beat, to lament, whence complaint; Gr. to strike, from the root disused, whence, a stroke; Latin plaga, Eng. plague.]

1. Lamentation; complaint; audible expression of sorrow.

From inward grief

His bursting passion into plaints thus pour'd.

2. Complaint; representation made of injury or wrong done.

There are three just grounds of war with Spain; one of plaints; two upon defense.

3. In law, a private memorial tendered to a court, in which the person sets forth his cause of action.

4. In law, a complaint; a formal accusation exhibited by a private person against an offender for a breach of law or a public offense.