Noah Webster
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.