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| al·lege [ ə léj ] (past and past participle al·leged, present participle al·leg·ing, 3rd person present singular al·leg·es) |
transitive verb |
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| Definition: |
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1. assert something without proof: to state or assert something, especially by accusing somebody of wrongdoing without offering proof of it or with a view to proving it later
  The prosecutor alleged that Simmons knew about the planned robbery.
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2. affirm something: to state something positively
allege that a watch has been stolen
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3. give something as reason: to put something forward as a reason or excuse for your actions or conduct
(
formal
)
He declined the invitation, alleging a prior appointment.
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| [14th century. Via Anglo-Norman, "declare before a legal tribunal" < assumed Vulgar Latin exlitigare "clear of charges" < Latin litigare (see litigate)] |
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| al·lege·a·ble adjective |
| al·leg·er noun |
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