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n. 1. An expression of pain, dissatisfaction, or resentment. 2. A cause or reason for complaining; a grievance: What is your complaint? 3. a. A bodily disorder or disease; a malady or ailment. b. The symptom or distress about which a patient seeks medical assistance. 4. Law a. A formal statement initiating a lawsuit by specifying the facts and legal grounds for the relief sought. b. A formal charge, made under oath, of the commission of a crime or other such offense. [Middle English compleinte, from Old French complainte, from feminine past participle of complaindre, to complain; see COMPLAIN.] |
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