plea

play

noun \ˈplē\

Definition of plea

1 : a legal suit or action
2 : an allegation made by a party in support of a cause: such asa : an allegation of fact — compare demurrerb (1) : a defendant's answer to a plaintiff's declaration in common-law practice (2) : an accused person's answer to a charge or indictment in criminal practicec : a plea of guilty to an indictment
3 : something offered by way of excuse or justification left early with the plea of a headache
4 : an earnest entreaty : appeal their plea for understanding must be answered

See plea defined for English-language learners

See plea defined for kids

Examples of plea in a Sentence

We are making a plea to all companies to stop polluting the environment.
The defendant entered a plea of not guilty.

Recent Examples of plea from the Web

The police have not yet been able to corroborate many accusations against politicians made in plea bargains by managers of Odebrecht, a construction company.

— The Economist, "BelloThe conviction of Lula and the future of Brazil’s political purge," 15 July 2017
It can be reinstated once conditions of any plea agreements are reached.

— leada gore, AL.com, "Ex-governor Robert Bentley fighting to keep pistol permit," 12 July 2017
Coleman was released on home incarceration upon signing the plea agreement.

— matthew glowicki, The Courier-Journal, "Second defendant in Brice Rhodes murder case takes plea deal," 5 July 2017
In his plea agreement to a racketeering conspiracy, Loville admitted distributing some of the drugs to close friends and associates in the Phoenix area from 2011 to 2015, collecting payment and remitting it back to Hanson.

— kristina davis, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Ex-NFL player gets prison for drug dealing conspiracy," 5 July 2017
The surprising plea left some supporters and members of Brandon Ellingson’s family — most notably his mother — feeling no justice had been served.

— laura bauer, kansascity, "Missouri trooper pleads, avoids trial in handcuffed drowning of Brandon Ellingson," 27 June 2017
Despite pleas like these, King tries not to let fans influence her too much.

— suzannah weiss, Teen Vogue, "I. Marlene King Shares Fans' Most Hated Pretty Little Liars Plotline," 24 June 2017
Part of his plea deal required him to perform 100 hours of community service as a doctor.

— leada gore, AL.com, "Ex-Gov. Robert Bentley working as doctor at Tuscaloosa dermatology clinic," 23 June 2017
In many ways the plea reflects France’s traditional position with the 28-nation EU.

— mark deen, Bloomberg.com, "Macron Reports to EU From Frontline of Fight Against Populism," 22 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'plea.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of plea

Middle English ple, plede, from Anglo-French plai, pleit from Medieval Latin placitum, from Latin, decision, decree, from neuter of placitus, past participle of placēre to please, be decided — more at please

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First Known Use: 13th century

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Synonym Discussion of plea

apology, apologia, excuse, plea, pretext, alibi mean matter offered in explanation or defense. apology usually applies to an expression of regret for a mistake or wrong with implied admission of guilt or fault and with or without reference to mitigating or extenuating circumstances. said by way of apology that he would have met them if he could apologia implies not admission of guilt or regret but a desire to make clear the grounds for some course, belief, or position. his speech was an apologia for his foreign policy excuse implies an intent to avoid or remove blame or censure. used illness as an excuse for missing the meeting plea stresses argument or appeal for understanding or sympathy or mercy. her usual plea that she was nearsighted pretext suggests subterfuge and the offering of false reasons or motives in excuse or explanation. used any pretext to get out of work alibi implies a desire to shift blame or evade punishment and imputes mere plausibility to the explanation. his alibi failed to stand scrutiny

PLEA Defined for English Language Learners

plea

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noun

Definition of plea for English Language Learners

: a serious and emotional request for something
law : a statement in which a person who has been accused of a crime says in court that he or she is guilty or not guilty of the crime
: a statement in which a person says that he or she is guilty of a particular crime : a plea of guilty

PLEA Defined for Kids

plea

play

noun \ˈplē\

Definition of plea for Students

1 : an earnest appeal The prisoner made a plea for mercy.
2 : something offered as a defense or excuse

Law Dictionary

plea

play

noun \ˈplē\

Legal Definition of plea

1a : an allegation of fact in civil litigation made in response to a claim — compare demurrer b : a defendant's answer to a plaintiff's claim in civil litigation Editor's note: Under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and in states where they have been adopted, civil pleas are abolished, and answers and motions are used instead. Such pleas were used at common law. dilatory plea \ˈdi-lə-ˌtōr-ē-\ : a common-law plea which is intended to defeat the pending action or proceeding without involving any decision on the merits of the case plea in abatement : a plea entered by a party seeking postponement or dismissal of an action by setting forth some matter or defect regarding procedure, jurisdiction, or timing —called also plea of abatement plea in bar : a plea that alleges the existence of an absolute bar (as a statute of limitations) to an action plea of abatement : plea in abatement in this entry
2a : an accused party's answer to a criminal charge or indictment b : a plea of guilty
3 : an earnest entreaty

Origin and Etymology of plea

Anglo-French plei plai legal action, trial, from Old French plait plaid, from Medieval Latin placitum, from Latin, decision, decree, from neuter of placitus, past participle of placēre to please, be decided