Counterpetition

/ˌkaʊntərpəˈtɪʃən/ noun

Definition

A petition or formal request presented in response to or in opposition to another petition.

Etymology

From counter- (against) + petition (from Latin petitio, 'a seeking' or 'request'). Combination of counter- with petition to describe rival or opposing formal requests.

Kelly Says

During the American Revolutionary era, counterpetitions were legally submitted by Loyalists to oppose independence petitions—these opposing documents are now treasured historical records that show how divided colonists actually were about independence.

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