plaint Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun (United Kingdom) a written statement of the grounds of complaint made to court of law asking for the grievance to be redressed
noun a cry of sorrow and grief
wail; lamentation; lament.
- their pitiful laments could be heard throughout the ward

OE. plainte, pleynte, F. plainte, fr. L. plangere, planctum (plancta, fem. p.p.), to beat, beat the breast, lament. Cf. Complain, Plague, Plangent.

Audible expression of sorrow; lamentation; complaint; hence, a mournful song; a lament. Chaucer."The Psalmist's mournful plaint." Wordsworth.
An accusation or protest on account of an injury.
There are three just grounds of war with Spain: one of plaint, two upon defense. Bacon.
(Law) A private memorial tendered to a court, in which a person sets forth his cause of action; the exhibiting of an action in writing. Blackstone.