Specifically. ChieflyOxford Univ. and Cambridge Univ. A formal request for a degree or for incorporation.
Origin
Mid 17th century (in an earlier sense). From classical Latin supplicat ‘he supplicates’, 3rd person singular present indicative of supplicāresupplicate. In some forms apparently assimilated to abstract nouns in -ate; however, compare post-classical Latin supplicatus entreaty.