n.1 an earnest appeal or entreaty.
2 Law a formal statement by or on behalf of a defendant.
3 an argument or excuse.
Phrases and idioms:
plea bargaining US an arrangement between prosecutor and defendant whereby the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in the expectations of leniency.
Etymology: ME & AF ple, plai, OF plait, plaid agreement, discussion f. L placitum a decree, neut. past part. of placere to please