solicitor
- 01 C1 Advanced
a person who goes from place to place trying to sell products or ask for donations.
an individual who seeks to obtain business orders, advertising, or charitable contributions, often through door-to-door or cold-calling methods.
Simple“The sign on the office door said 'No Solicitors' to stop people from selling things.”
In context“The local ordinance requires all door-to-door solicitors to register with the police department before contacting residents for donations.”
UsageCommonly seen in the phrase 'No Solicitors' on signs.
Teacher's tipIn American English, this is the most common everyday meaning. In British English, using 'solicitor' for a salesperson is rare and might cause confusion with the legal profession.
Synonyms - 02 C2 Proficiency
the chief lawyer for a city or a government department.
the chief law officer of a municipality, county, or government department responsible for civil legal matters.
Simple“The city solicitor reviewed the new contract before the mayor signed it.”
In context“The Solicitor General represents the federal government of the United States before the Supreme Court.”
Synonymslegal officerprosecutor
“The president of the Law Society of Ireland has said the organisation lacks the authority to assign solicitors to defendants, in response to a judge who suggested emergency cover amid ongoing industrial action.”
“A duty solicitor requested some time to talk to the mother, who appeared exhausted as the representative for the county council set out the charges against her.”
From Middle French soliciteur. By surface analysis, solicit + -or.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.