v. (past and past part. pleaded or esp. US, Sc., & dial. pled)
1. intr. (foll. by with) make an earnest appeal to.
2 intr. Law address a lawcourt as an advocate on behalf of a party.
3 tr. maintain (a cause) esp. in a lawcourt.
4 tr. Law declare to be one's state as regards guilt in or responsibility for a crime (plead guilty; plead insanity).
5 tr. offer or allege as an excuse (pleaded forgetfulness).
6 intr. make an appeal or entreaty.
Derivatives:
pleadable adj. pleader n. pleadingly adv.
Etymology: ME f. AF pleder, OF plaidier (as PLEA)