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. pleadable adj. pleader n. pleadingly adv.
[ ME f. AF pleder, OF plaidier (as PLEA) ]