So*lic"it (?), v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Solicited; p. pr. & vb. n.
Soliciting.] [F. sollicier, L. sollicitare,
solicitare, -atum, fr. sollicitus wholly (i.
e., violently) moved; sollus whole + citus, p. p. of
ciere to move, excite. See Solemn, Cite.]
1. To ask from with earnestness; to make petition
to; to apply to for obtaining something; as, to solicit person
for alms.
Did I solicit thee
From darkness to promote me?
Milton.
2. To endeavor to obtain; to seek; to plead
for; as, to solicit an office; to solicit a
favor.
I view my crime, but kindle at the view,
Repent old pleasures, and solicit new.
Pope.
3. To awake or excite to action; to rouse
desire in; to summon; to appeal to; 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.
4. To urge 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 deserts.
Ford.
5. To disturb; to disquiet; -- a Latinism
rarely used.
Hath any ill solicited thine ears?
Chapman.
But anxious fears solicit my weak
breast.
Dryden.
Syn. To beseech; ask; request; crave; supplicate; entreat;
beg; implore; importune. See Beseech.