The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Petition \Pe*ti"tion\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Petitioned; p. pr.
   & vb. n. Petitioning.]
   To make a prayer or request to; to ask from; to solicit; to
   entreat; especially, to make a formal written supplication,
   or application to, as to any branch of the government; as, to
   petition the court; to petition the governor.
   [1913 Webster]

         You have . . . petitioned all the gods for my
         prosperity.                              --Shak.
   [1913 Webster]