SUPPLICATION

prayer, supplication

(noun) the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving); “the priest sank to his knees in prayer”

supplication, plea

(noun) a humble request for help from someone in authority

invocation, supplication

(noun) a prayer asking God’s help as part of a religious service

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

supplication (countable and uncountable, plural supplications)

An act of supplicating; a humble request.

A prayer or entreaty to a god.

(historical) In Ancient Rome, a solemn service or day decreed for giving formal thanks to the gods for victory, etc.

Source: Wiktionary

Sup`pli*ca"tion, n. Etym: [F. supplication, L. supplicatio.]

1. The act of supplicating; humble and earnest prayer, as in worship.

2. A humble petition; an earnest request; an entreaty.

3. (Rom. Antiq.)

Definition: A religious solemnity observed in consequence of some military success, and also, in times of distress and danger, to avert the anger of the gods.

Syn.

– Entreaty; petition; solicitation; craving.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition