Suffrage

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. A vote given in deciding a controverted question, or in the choice of a man for an office or trust; the formal expression of an opinion; assent; vote. I ask your voices and your suffrages. Shak.

2. Testimony; attestation; witness; approval. Lactantius and St. Austin confirm by their suffrage the observation made by heathen writers. Atterbury. Every miracle is the suffrage of Heaven to the truth of a doctrine. South.

3. A short petition, as those after the creed in matins and evensong.

4. A prayer in general, as one offered for the faithful departed. Shipley. I firmly believe that there is a purgatory, and that the souls therein detained are helped by the suffrages of the faithful. Creed of Pope Pius IV.

5. Aid; assistance. [A Latinism] [Obs.]

6. The right to vote; franchise.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To vote for; to elect. [Obs.] Milton.