[plead] vb plead.ed or pled also plead ; plead.ing [ME plaiden to institute a lawsuit, fr. MF plaidier, fr. plaid plea] vi (13c) 1: to argue a case or cause in a court of law
2. a: to make an allegation in an action or other legal proceeding; esp: to answer the previous pleading of the other party by denying facts therein stated or by alleging new facts b: to conduct pleadings
3: to make a plea of a specified nature "~ not guilty"
4. a: to argue for or against a claim b: to entreat or appeal earnestly ~ vt 1: to maintain (as a case or cause) in a court of law or other tribunal
2: to allege in or by way of a legal plea
3: to offer as a plea usu. in defense, apology, or excuse -- plead.able adj -- plead.er n -- plead.ing.ly adv