to pray, entreat , especially for protection, either absolute or with accusative pers. (Homer); that by which one prays in genitive, γούνων λιτανεύειν (Odyssey by Homer); also, γούνων ἁψάμενοι λιτανεύσομεν (epic for -ωμεν); (Iliad by Homer); with infinitive, (Iliad by Homer) (ML)