from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Demand \De*mand"\, n. [F. demande, fr. demander. See {Demand},
v. t.]
1. The act of demanding; an asking with authority; a
peremptory urging of a claim; a claiming or challenging as
due; requisition; as, the demand of a creditor; a note
payable on demand.
[1913 Webster]
The demand [is] by the word of the holy ones. --Dan.
iv. 17.
[1913 Webster]
He that has confidence to turn his wishes into
demands will be but a little way from thinking he
ought to obtain them. --Locke.
[1913 Webster]
2. Earnest inquiry; question; query. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
3. A diligent seeking or search; manifested want; desire to
possess; request; as, a demand for certain goods; a
person's company is in great demand.
[1913 Webster]
In 1678 came forth a second edition [Pilgrim's
Progress] with additions; and then the demand became
immense. --Macaulay.
[1913 Webster]
4. That which one demands or has a right to demand; thing
claimed as due; claim; as, demands on an estate.
[1913 Webster]
5. (Law)
(a) The asking or seeking for what is due or claimed as
due.
(b) The right or title in virtue of which anything may be
claimed; as, to hold a demand against a person.
(c) A thing or amount claimed to be due.
[1913 Webster]
{In demand}, in request; being much sought after.
{On demand}, upon presentation and request of payment.
[1913 Webster]