dem

n. [ F. demande, fr. demander. See Demand, v. t. ] 1. The act of demanding; an asking with authority; a peremptory urging of a claim; a claiming or challenging as due; requisition; as, the demand of a creditor; a note payable on demand. [ 1913 Webster ]

The demand [ is ] by the word of the holy ones. Dan. iv. 17. [ 1913 Webster ]

He that has confidence to turn his wishes into demands will be but a little way from thinking he ought to obtain them. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Earnest inquiry; question; query. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A diligent seeking or search; manifested want; desire to possess; request; as, a demand for certain goods; a person's company is in great demand. [ 1913 Webster ]

In 1678 came forth a second edition [ Pilgrim's Progress ] with additions; and then the demand became immense. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. That which one demands or has a right to demand; thing claimed as due; claim; as, demands on an estate. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Law) (a) The asking or seeking for what is due or claimed as due. (b) The right or title in virtue of which anything may be claimed; as, to hold a demand against a person. (c) A thing or amount claimed to be due. [ 1913 Webster ]

In demand, in request; being much sought after. --
On demand, upon presentation and request of payment. [ 1913 Webster ]