Praying

pray  (pr)

v. prayed, pray·ing, prays

v.intr.

1. To utter or address a prayer or prayers to God, a god, or another object of worship.

2. To make a fervent request or entreaty.

v.tr.

1. To utter or say a prayer or prayers to; address by prayer.

2. To ask (someone) imploringly; beseech. Now often used elliptically for I pray you to introduce a request or entreaty: Pray be careful.

3. To make a devout or earnest request for: I pray your permission to speak.

4. To move or bring by prayer or entreaty.

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[Middle English preien, from Old French preier, from Latin precr, from prec, pl. of *prex, prayer; see prek- in Indo-European roots.]