Main Entry:

plead

Pronunciation:

\ˈplēd\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

plead·ed \ˈplē-dəd\ or pled also plead \ˈpled\ ; plead·ing

Etymology:

Middle English pleden, plaiden, from Anglo-French plaider, pleder, from plai plea

Date:

13th century

intransitive verb1: to argue a case or cause in a court of law2 a: to make an allegation in an action or other legal proceeding ; especially : to answer the previous pleading of the other party by denying facts therein stated or by alleging new facts b: to conduct pleadings3: to make a plea of a specified nature <plead not guilty>4 a: to argue for or against a claim b: to entreat or appeal earnestlytransitive verb1: to maintain (as a case or cause) in a court of law or other tribunal2: to allege in or by way of a legal plea3: to offer as a plea usually in defense, apology, or excuse

— plead·able \ˈplē-də-bəl\ adjective

— plead·er noun

— plead·ing·ly \ˈplē-diŋ-lē\ adverb