appeal: Meaning and Definition of

ap•peal

Pronunciation: (u-pēl'), [key]
— n.
  1. an earnest request for aid, support, sympathy, mercy, etc.; entreaty; petition; plea.
  2. a request or reference to some person or authority for a decision, corroboration, judgment, etc.
    1. an application or proceeding for review by a higher tribunal.
    2. (in a legislative body or assembly) a formal question as to the correctness of a ruling by a presiding officer.
    3. Obs.a formal charge or accusation.
  3. the power or ability to attract, interest, amuse, or stimulate the mind or emotions: The game has lost its appeal.
  4. a summons or challenge.
—v.i.
  1. to ask for aid, support, mercy, sympathy, or the like; make an earnest entreaty: The college appealed to its alumni for funds.
  2. to apply for review of a case or particular issue to a higher tribunal.
  3. to have need of or ask for proof, a decision, corroboration, etc.
  4. to be especially attractive, pleasing, interesting, or enjoyable: The red hat appeals to me.
—v.t.
    1. to apply for review of (a case) to a higher tribunal.
    2. Obs.to charge with a crime before a tribunal.
  1. See(def. 11).
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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