petition in German

A formal written request made by an individual or a group of people to a sovereign or political authority, often containing many signatures, soliciting some grace, right, mercy, or the redress of some wrong or grievance. [from early 15th c.]

(law, by extension) A formal written application made to a magistrate or court for an order or a suit for divorce. [from 1730s]

(law, by extension) A formal written application made to a magistrate or court for an order or a suit for divorce. [from 1730s]