Doleance

/ˈdoʊliəns/ noun

Definition

A formal expression of grief, complaint, or regret; a lamentation or grievance officially stated.

Etymology

From Old French 'doleance' meaning 'complaint' or 'lamentation,' derived from Latin 'dolentia' (suffering, grief), related to 'dolere' (to grieve).

Kelly Says

The 'Cahiers de doléances' (Books of Grievances) from 1789 France were literally written collections of complaints from all social classes—they're basically the original petition forms!

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