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.
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.