interplead

verb

in·​ter·​plead ˌin-tər-ˈplēd How to pronounce interplead (audio)
interpleaded or interpled also interplead; interpleading; interpleads

intransitive verb

: to go to trial with each other in order to determine a right on which the action of a third party depends

Word History

Etymology

Anglo-French enterpleder, from enter- inter- + pleder, plaider to plead — more at plead

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interplead was in 1567

Dictionary Entries Near interplead

Cite this Entry

“Interplead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interplead. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Legal Definition

interplead

verb
in·​ter·​plead ˌin-tər-ˈplēd How to pronounce interplead (audio)

transitive verb

: to bring (adverse claimants) into court by interpleader
the defendants can interplead injured stock purchasers if they fear the latter may have a superior claim…to the agents' illicit profitsR. C. Clark
compare implead, intervene

intransitive verb

: to go to trial with each other in order to settle adverse claims to property held by or an obligation owed by a third party (as an insurance company)
may be joined as defendants and required to interplead when their claims are such that the plaintiff is or may be exposed to double or multiple liabilityOfficial Code of Georgia Annotated
Etymology

Anglo-French enterpleder, from enter- between, among + pleder to plead, from Old French plaidier

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