1. To make a formal request or petition, usually in writing, to a court, officer, board, or company, for the granting of some favor, or of some rule or order, which is within his or their power or discretion. For example, to apply for an Injunction , for a pardon, for a policy of insurance . 2. To use or employ for a particular purpose : to appropriate and devote to a particular use, object, demand, or subject-matter . Thus, to apply payments to the reduction of interest. 3. To put, use, or refer, as suitable or relative ; to co-ordinate language with a particular subject-matter; as to apply the words of a statute to a particular state of facts .
Black’s Law Online Dictionary
