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Plead

//pliːd// verb

Definitions

Verb
  1. 1
    To present (an argument or a plea), especially in a legal case. ambitransitive, copulative

    "The defendant has decided to plead not guilty."

  2. 2
    appeal or request earnestly wordnet
  3. 3
    To beg, beseech, or implore, especially emotionally. intransitive

    "He pleaded with me not to leave the house."

  4. 4
    enter a plea, as in courts of law wordnet
  5. 5
    To offer by way of excuse. transitive

    "Not wishing to attend the banquet, I pleaded illness."

Show 3 more definitions
  1. 6
    offer as an excuse or plea wordnet
  2. 7
    To discuss by arguments. transitive
  3. 8
    make an allegation in an action or other legal proceeding, especially answer the previous pleading of the other party by denying facts therein stated or by alleging new facts wordnet

Etymology

From Middle English pleden, plaiden, from Old French plaider (“to plead, offer a plea”), from plait, from Medieval Latin placitum (“a decree, sentence, suit, plea, etc.", in Classical Latin, "an opinion, determination, prescription, order; literally, that which is pleasing, pleasure”), neuter of placitus, past participle of placeō (“to please”). Cognate with Spanish pleitear (“to litigate, take to court”).

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