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.
© Webster 1913.