I. ˈplē noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English plaid, plait, plai, plee, from Old French plaid, plait, plet agreement, decision, decree, lawsuit, from Medieval Latin & Latin; Medieval Latin placitum court day, judicial proceeding, lawsuit, from Latin, something agreeable, opinion, decision, decree, from neuter of placitus, past participle of placēre to please, resolve, decide, decree — more at please
1.
a. obsolete : an action or cause in court : lawsuit : the presentation of a cause to the court — see common pleas
b. Scotland : contention , quarreling
2. : an allegation made by a party in support of one's cause: as
a. : an allegation of fact — distinguished from demurrer
b.
(1) : a defendant's answer to a plaintiff's declaration and demand in common-law practice
(2) : an accused person's answer to a charge or indictment against him in criminal practice
c. : special plea
d. : a plea of guilty to an indictment
3. : something alleged or used to excuse or to justify : pretext
left the party early with the plea of a headache
4. obsolete : something demanded : claim
none can drive him from the envious plea of forfeiture — Shakespeare
5. : an earnest entreaty : appeal , petition
the powerful and compelling plea for state's rights — Carol L. Thompson
resisted pleas of many of his advisers — Herbert Feis
Synonyms: see apology , prayer
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English playen, pleyen, from plaid, plait, plai, plee, n.
chiefly Scotland : contend , quarrel