entreating

Entreat \En*treat"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Entreated}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Entreating}.] [OE. entreten to treat, request, OF.
   entraiter to treat of; pref. en- (L. in) + traitier to treat.
   See {Treat}.]
   1. To treat, or conduct toward; to deal with; to use. [Obs.]
      [1913 Webster]

            Fairly let her be entreated.          --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

            I will cause the enemy to entreat thee well. --Jer.
                                                  xv. 11.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To treat with, or in respect to, a thing desired; hence,
      to ask earnestly; to beseech; to petition or pray with
      urgency; to supplicate; to importune. "Entreat my wife to
      come." "I do entreat your patience." --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

            I must entreat of you some of that money. --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

            Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber
            door.                                 --Poe.
      [1913 Webster]

            Isaac entreated the Lord for his wife. --Gen. xxv.
                                                  21.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. To beseech or supplicate successfully; to prevail upon by
      prayer or solicitation; to persuade.
      [1913 Webster]

            It were a fruitless attempt to appease a power whom
            no prayers could entreat.             --Rogers.
      [1913 Webster]

   4. To invite; to entertain. [Obs.] "Pleasures to entreat."
      --Spenser.

   Syn: To beseech; beg; solicit; crave; implore; supplicate.
        See {Beseech}.
        [1913 Webster]