An earnest and emotional request or appeal, often made with urgency, sincerity, or desperation.
From Old French 'entraitie' (negotiation, treatment), from 'entraiter' (to treat or negotiate). The meaning evolved to specifically denote urgent, sincere requests made with emotional depth.
What distinguishes 'entreaty' from 'request' is the emotional core—when you make an entreaty, you're baring something vulnerable, which is why the word appears in the Bible, Shakespeare, and poetry about love, forgiveness, and mercy.
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