GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Plead (plēd), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pleaded (colloq. Plead (plĕd) or Pled); p. pr. & vb. n. Pleading.] [OE. pleden, plaiden, OF. plaidier, F. plaider, fr. LL. placitare, fr. placitum. See Plea.]
   1. To argue in support of a claim, or in defense against the claim of another; to urge reasons for or against a thing; to attempt to persuade one by argument or supplication; to speak by way of persuasion; as, “to plead for the life of a criminal; to plead with a judge or with a father.”
   
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   O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbor! Job xvi. 21.
   
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   2. (Law) To present an answer, by allegation of fact, to the declaration of a plaintiff; to deny the plaintiff's declaration and demand, or to allege facts which show that he ought not to recover in the suit; in a less strict sense, to make an allegation of fact in a cause; to carry on the allegations of the respective parties in a cause; to carry on a suit or plea.  Blackstone. Burrill. Stephen.
   
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   3. To contend; to struggle. [Obs.]  Chaucer.
   
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2.       
   Plead (?), v. t.
   1. To discuss, defend, and attempt to maintain by arguments or reasons presented to a tribunal or person having uthority to determine; to argue at the bar; as, “to plead a cause before a court or jury”.
   
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   Every man should plead his own matter. Sir T. More.
   
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   ☞ In this sense, argue is more generally used by lawyers.
   
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   2. To allege or cite in a legal plea or defense, or for repelling a demand in law; to answer to an indictment; as, “to plead usury; to plead statute of limitations; to plead not guilty.”  Kent.
   
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   3. To allege or adduce in proof, support, or vendication; to offer in excuse; as, “the law of nations may be pleaded in favor of the rights of ambassadors”.  Spenser.
   
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   I will neither plead my age nor sickness, in excuse of faults. Dryden.
   
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