Complaint \Com*plaint"\, n. [F. complainte. See Complain.]

1. Expression of grief, regret, pain, censure, or resentment; lamentation; murmuring; accusation; fault-finding.

I poured out my complaint before him. --Ps. cxlii. 2.

Grievous complaints of you. --Shak.

2. Cause or subject of complaint or murmuring.

The poverty of the clergy in England hath been the complaint of all who wish well to the church. --Swift.

3. An ailment or disease of the body.

One in a complaint of his bowels. --Arbuthnot.

4. (Law) A formal allegation or charge against a party made or presented to the appropriate court or officer, as for a wrong done or a crime committed (in the latter case, generally under oath); an information; accusation; the initial bill in proceedings in equity.

Syn: Lamentation; murmuring; sorrow; grief; disease; illness; disorder; malady; ailment.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)