Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Demand \De*mand"\, 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.

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

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

   2. Earnest inquiry; question; query. --Shak.

   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.

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

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

   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.

   {In demand}, in request; being much sought after.

   {On demand}, upon presentation and request of payment.