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prayed |
1 definition found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Pray \Pray\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Prayed}; p. pr & vb n. {Praying}.] [OE. preien, OF preier, F. prier, L. precari, fr prex, precis, a prayer, a request; akin to Skr. prach to ask AS frignan fr[=i]nan, fricgan G. fragen, Goth. fra['i]hnan. Cf {Deprecate}, {Imprecate}, {Precarious}.] To make request with earnestness or zeal, as for something desired; to make entreaty or supplication; to offer prayer to a deity or divine being as a religious act specifically, to address the Supreme Being with adoration, confession, supplication, and thanksgiving. And to his goddess pitously he preyde. --Chaucer. When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. --Matt. vi 6. {I pray}, or (by ellipsis) {Pray}, I beg; I request; I entreat you -- used in asking a question, making a request, introducing a petition, etc.; as Pray, allow me to go I pray, sir. why am I beaten? --Shak. Syn: To entreat; supplicate; beg; implore; invoke; beseech; petition.
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