appeals

1. 1
   noun

   Plural of appeal.

   Two appeals are still pending before the higher court.

   The fundraiser launched several appeals to different donor groups.

   Note

   The plural counts what the singular can also leave uncounted: separate applications to a higher court, the documents that carry them, or the cases argued on them. Older law used it for private accusations as well, such as one person charging another with a heinous crime, or an accomplice, called an approver, turning on a felon. Those appeals now belong only to legal history.

2. 2
   verb

   Third-person singular simple present indicative of appeal.

   The convicted broker appeals the verdict in hopes of a lighter sentence.

   The quiet seaside town appeals to travelers who dislike crowds.

   Note

   The legal verb takes two shapes in the present. Used intransitively, a party appeals against the lower court's decision or to the higher court. Used transitively, the same party simply appeals the decision, with no preposition. Outside court, the verb calls on someone to decide a question or vindicate a right. Its historical use, to accuse someone of treason, is the same story told under the plural noun.

   She appeals against the ruling within the week.

   He appeals to the higher court for a new hearing.

Showing meanings only. Show all 2