1.
2.
[syn: lament, lamentation, plaint, wail]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Plaint \Plaint\, n. [OE. plainte, pleynte, F. plainte, fr. L.
plangere, planctum (plancta, fem. p. p.), to beat, beat the
breast, lament. Cf. Complain, Plague, Plangent.]
1. Audible expression of sorrow; lamentation; complaint;
hence, a mournful song; a lament. --Chaucer."The
Psalmist's mournful plaint." --Wordsworth.
[1913 Webster]
2. An accusation or protest on account of an injury.
[1913 Webster]
There are three just grounds of war with Spain: one
of plaint, two upon defense. --Bacon.
[1913 Webster]
3. (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.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
plaint
n 1: (United Kingdom) a written statement of the grounds of
complaint made to court of law asking for the grievance to
be redressed
2: a cry of sorrow and grief; "their pitiful laments could be
heard throughout the ward" [syn: lament, lamentation,
plaint, wail]