Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Plaintiff

Plaintiff , noun

[French plaintif making complaint, plaintive; in Old French equiv. to plaignant complainant, prosecutor, from plaindre. See Plaint, and compare Plaintive.]

(Law) One who commences a personal action or suit to obtain a remedy for an injury to his rights; -- opposed to defendant.

Plaintiff , adjective

See Plaintive. [Obsolete] — Prior