ˈeɪlmənt t͡ʃɑːd͡ʒ t͡ʃɑɹd͡ʒ kəmˈpleɪnt ɪl (criminal law) a pleading describing some wrong or offense he was arrested on a charge of larceny (civil law) the first pleading of the plaintiff setting out the facts on which the claim for relief is based an expression of grievance or resentment (formerly) a loud cry (or repeated cries) of pain or rage or sorrow an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining