allege

Meanings

1. To state under oath, to plead.
2. To cite or quote an author or his work for or against.
3. To adduce (something) as a reason, excuse, support etc.
4. To make a claim as justification or proof; to make an assertion without proof.

1. To lighten, diminish.

Etymology

From Middle English aleggen, perhaps from Old French alleguer, or from Anglo-Norman aleger, the form perhaps from Old French esligier (“to acquit”), from Medieval Latin *exlītigāre (“to clear at law”), from Latin ex (“out”) + lītigō (“sue at law”), but the meaning from Old French alleguer, from Latin allēgāre (“send on a mission, depute; relate, mention, adduce”), from ad (“to”) + lēgō (“send”). See also al-.