Definition of allege

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al·lege    (-lj) KEY 

TRANSITIVE VERB:
al·leged, al·leg·ing, al·leg·es

1. To assert to be true; affirm: alleging his innocence of the charge.
2. To assert without or before proof: The indictment alleges that the commissioner took bribes.
3. To state (a plea or excuse, for example) in support or denial of a claim or accusation: The defendant alleges temporary insanity.
4. Archaic To bring forward as an authority.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English alleggen, from Old French alegier, to vindicate, justify (influenced by aleguer, to give a reason), from esligier, to pay a fine, justify oneself, from Late Latin *exltigre, to clear at law : Latin ex-, out ; see ex- + Latin ltigre, to sue ; see litigate

OTHER FORMS:
al·legea·ble(Adjective), al·leger(Noun)