n. [ OE. plainte, pleynte, F. plainte, fr. L. plangere, planctum (plancta, fem. p. p.), to beat, beat the breast, lament. Cf. Complain, Plague, Plangent. ]
There are three just grounds of war with Spain: one of plaint, two upon defense. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Containing a plaint; complaining; expressing sorrow with an audible voice. “My plaintful tongue.” Sir P. Sidney. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ F. plaintif making complaint, plaintive; in Old French equiv. to plaignant complainant, prosecutor, fr. plaindre. See Plaint, and cf. Plaintive. ] (Law) One who commences a personal action or suit to obtain a remedy for an injury to his rights; -- opposed to
a. See Plaintive. [ Obs. ] Prior. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. [ F. plaintif. See Plaintiff, n. ]
--
a. Without complaint; unrepining. “Plaintless patience.” Savage. [ 1913 Webster ]