■ noun
1》 a request made in an urgent and emotional manner.
2》 Law a formal statement by or on behalf of a defendant or prisoner, stating guilt or innocence in response to a charge, offering an allegation of fact, or claiming that a point of law should apply.
↘an excuse or claim of mitigating circumstances.
Phrases
~ of tender Law a ~ that the defendant has always been ready to satisfy the plaintiff's claim and now brings the sum into court.
Origin
ME: from OFr. plait , plaid 'agreement, discussion', from L. placitum 'a decree', neut. past participle of placere 'to ~se'.