verb (used with object)
- to ask (a person) earnestly; beseech; implore; beg: to entreat the judge for mercy.
- to ask earnestly for (something): He entreated help in his work.
verb (used without object)
- to make an earnest request or petition.
verb
- to ask (a person) earnestly; beg or plead with; implore
- to make an earnest request or petition for (something)
- an archaic word for treat (def. 4)
mid-14c., “to enter into negotiations;” early 15c., “to treat (someone) in a certain way,” also “to plead for (someone),” from Anglo-French entretier, Old French entraiter “to treat,” from en- “make” (see en- (1)) + traiter “to treat” (see treat (v.)). Meaning “to beseech, implore” is first attested c.1500. Related: Entreated; entreating.