solicitor

Meanings

1. One who solicits.
2. In many common law jurisdictions, a type of lawyer whose traditional role is to offer legal services to clients apart from acting as their advocate in court. A solicitor instructs barristers to act as an advocate for their client in court, although rights of audience for solicitors vary according to jurisdiction.
3. In English Canada and in parts of Australia, a type of lawyer who historically held the same role as above, but whose role has in modern times been merged with that of a barrister.
4. In parts of the U.S., the chief legal officer of a city, town or other jurisdiction.
5. A person soliciting sales, especially door to door.

Etymology

From Middle French soliciteur. By surface analysis, solicit + -or.