[f. ADVOCATE sb. on analogy of minister, cf. pilot, carpenter, doctor, etc.]
† 1. intr. To act as advocate, to plead for. arch.
1641. Milton, Animadv., § 1 (1847), 58/2. It had been advocated and moved for by some honourable and learned gentlemen of the house.
1659. Fuller, App. Inj. Innoc. (1840), 339. I wonder that the Animadvertor will advocate for their actions, so detrimental to the church.
1661. Heylin, Ref., I. ii. 37. I will not take upon me to Advocate for the present distempers and confusions of this wretched Church.
1872. F. Hall, False Philol., 75. I am not going to advocate for this sense of actual [i.e., as = present].
† 2. trans. To defend (by action). Obs.
1666. Pepys, Diary, 1 Dec. Ready … to part with all his estate in these difficult times to advocate the King’s service.
3. trans. To plead or raise one’s voice in favor of; to defend or recommend publicly.
1767[?]. Burke, Ref. Represent., Wks. 1813, V. 321 (T.). This is the only thing distinct and sensible that has been advocated.
1789. Franklin, Lett. to N. Webster, 26 Dec. Wks. 1840, X. 414. During my late absence in France, I find that several new words have been introduced into our parliamentary language; for example I find a verb … from the substantive advocate; The gentleman who ADVOCATES or has ADVOCATED that motion.… If you should happen to be of my opinion with respect to these innovations, you will use your authority in reprobating them.
1821. W. Taylor, in Month. Rev., XCVI. 450. The interests of justice, of liberty, and of independence are advocated.
1850. Merivale, Rom. Emp., III. xxii. 29. They advocated its publication for their own private interests.
1860. Tyndall, Glac., II. § 28. 396. Dr. Whewell, who advocates this view, thus expounds it.
