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Definition of pleads - 2 dictionary results

plead

  [pleed] verb, plead⋅ed or pled; plead⋅ing.
Use pleads in a Sentence
–verb (used without object)
1. to appeal or entreat earnestly: to plead for time.
2. to use arguments or persuasions, as with a person, for or against something: She pleaded with him not to take the job.
3. to afford an argument or appeal: His youth pleads for him.
4. Law.
a. to make any allegation or plea in an action at law.
b. to put forward an answer on the part of a defendant to a legal declaration or charge.
c. to address a court as an advocate.
d. Obsolete. to prosecute a suit or action at law.
–verb (used with object)
5. to allege or urge in defense, justification, or excuse: to plead ignorance.
6. Law.
a. to maintain (a cause) by argument before a court.
b. to allege or set forth (something) formally in an action at law.
c. to allege or cite in legal defense: to plead a statute of limitations.
Origin:
1200–50; ME plaiden < OF plaid(i)er to go to law, plead < early ML placitāre to litigate, deriv. of L placitum opinion. See plea

Synonyms:
1. beg, supplicate. 2. reason. 5. claim.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To pleads
plead   (plēd)   
v.   plead·ed or pled (plěd), plead·ing, pleads

v.   intr.
  1. To appeal earnestly; beg: plead for more time.
  2. To offer reasons for or against something; argue earnestly: plead against a bill.
  3. To provide an argument or appeal: Your youth pleads for you in this instance.
  4. Law
    1. To put forward a plea of a specific nature in court: plead guilty.
    2. To make or answer an allegation in a legal proceeding.
    3. To address a court as a lawyer or advocate.
v.   tr.
  1. To assert as defense, vindication, or excuse; claim as a plea: plead illness.
  2. Law
    1. To present as an answer to a charge, indictment, or declaration made against one.
    2. To argue or present (a case) in a court or similar tribunal.

[Middle English pleden, plaiden, from Old French plaidier, from Medieval Latin placitāre, to appeal to the law, from Late Latin placitum, decree, opinion; see plea.]
plead'a·ble adj., plead'er n., plead'ing·ly adv.
Usage Note: In strict legal usage, one is said to plead guilty or plead not guilty but not to plead innocent. In nonlegal contexts, however, plead innocent is well established.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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