GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Plead , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pleaded (colloq. Plead  or Pled); p. pr. & vb. n. Pleading.] [OE. pleden, plaiden, OF. plaidier, F. plaider, fr. LL. placitare, fr. placitum. See Plea.]
   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.
   1913 Webster
   O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbor!
   Job xvi. 21.
   
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   (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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   To contend; to struggle. [Obs.]
   Chaucer.
   
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2.       
   Plead , v. t.
   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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   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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   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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