An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1a) A demand for something as due; an assertion of a right or an alleged right.

1b) An assertion of something as a fact.

2a) To demand by or as by virtue of a right; demand as a right or as due.

2b) To assert and demand the recognition of (Dictionary.com).

See also: → acclaim, → declaim, → proclaim.

Etymology (EN): M.E. claimen, from O.Fr. clamer “to call, name, describe; claim; complain,” from L. clamare “to cry out, shout, proclaim,” from PIE *kele- “to shout;” cf. Skt. usakala “cock,” literally “dawn-calling;” Middle Irish cailech “cock;” Gk. kalein “to call;” L. calare “to announce solemnly;” O.H.G. halan “to call;” O.E. hlowan “to make a noise like a cow;” Lith. kalba “language.”

Etymology (PE): Zuyidan, from zu- “to call;” cf. Av. zu- “to call;” O.Pers. (+ pati) zu- “to proclaim;” Sogd. ‘zw- “to call;” Pashtu zwag “noise, clamour;” Skt. havⁱ “to call upon, invoke;” O.C.S. zvati; Slov. zvati; Toch. B kwā- “to call out to, invite” (Cheung 2007).