Lewis & Short

applĭcātĭo (adp-), ōnis, f. [applico] (only in Cic.).

  1. I. A joining or attaching one’s self to; hence, trop., an inclining to, inclination: adplicatio animi, Cic. Lael. 8, 27.
  2. II. Judic. t. t., a placing of one’s self under the protection of a superior, clientship: jus applicationis, the right of inheriting the effects of such a client, Cic. de Or. 1, 39, 177 (cf. applico, I. B. 2.).