ˈplēd verb
( pleaded -də̇d ; or pled ˈpled ; pleaded or pled ; pleading ; pleads )
Etymology: Middle English pleiden, plaiden, pleden, from Old French pleidier, plaidier, from Medieval Latin placitare, from placitum plea — more at plea
intransitive verb
1.
a. obsolete : to institute or prosecute an action in court : to go to law : litigate
b. obsolete : to contend in debate or argument : wrangle
2. : to make a plea or conduct pleadings in a cause or proceeding in a court : present an answer or pleading in defense or prosecution of an action
3. : to argue for or against a claim : urge reasons for or against a thing : entreat or appeal earnestly : beg , implore
pleaded for help — D.A.Stein
he did not entreat or plead ; he announced — Margaret Deland
transitive verb
1.
a. obsolete : to bring legal action against
b. : to urge or make a plea of (the law) in court
2. : to discuss, defend, and attempt to maintain by arguments or reasons presented to a tribunal or person having authority to determine : argue at the bar
3. : to allege or cite in or by way of a legal plea or defense : answer to a declaration, charge, or indictment
4. : to allege in support or vindication : give as a plea in defense, apology, or excuse
pleaded ill health and private business as reasons for delaying — W.T.Utter