D defs.my
Entry 3 senses Webster, 1913

Plaint

· IPA /pleɪnt/
01 n. Audible expression of sorrow; lamentation; complaint; hence, a mournful song; a lament.
  1. 1.
    Audible expression of sorrow; lamentation; complaint; hence, a mournful song; a lament.
  2. 2.
    An accusation or protest on account of an injury.
    “There are three just grounds of war with Spain: one of plaint, two upon defense.” Bacon.
  3. 3.
    A private memorial tendered to a court, in which a person sets forth his cause of action; the exhibiting of an action in writing.(Law)