Noun

1. In a civil action, the first pleading of the plaintiff setting out the facts on which the claim is based;
   The purpose is to give notice to the adversary of the nature and basis of the claim asserted.
2. In criminal law, the preliminary charge or accusation made by one person against another to the appropriate court or officer, usually a magistrate.
   However, court proceedings, such as a trial, cannot be instituted until an indictment or information has been handed down against the defendant.
3. a grievance, problem, difficulty, or concern; the act of complaining

   I have no complaints about the quality of his work, but I don't enjoy his company.

4. a bodily disorder or disease; the symptom of such a disorder

   Don't come too close, I've got this nasty complaint.