I. ˈplēdiŋ, -dēŋ noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English pleiding, plaiding, pleding, from gerund of pleiden, plaiden, pleden to plead
1.
a. obsolete : litigation
b. : the acting as an advocate or pleader in a cause
c.
(1) : the drawing of pleas or conducting of causes as an advocate
(2) : the body of rules governing this : one of the successive statements now usually written by which the plaintiff sets forth his cause and claim and the defendant his defense : the formal allegations and counter allegations made by plaintiff and defendant or by prosecutor and accused in an action or proceeding until issue is joined
2. : the act or an instance of making a plea
3. : a sincere entreaty or petition : advocacy , intercession
the special pleading of a friend — L.L.Biancolli
II. adjective
Etymology: from present participle of plead
: imploring, suppliant
a pleading note in her voice