/pleed/ , v. , pleaded or pled; pleading .
v.i.
1. to appeal or entreat earnestly: to plead for time.
2. to use arguments or persuasions, as with a person, for or against something: She pleaded with him not to take the job.
3. to afford an argument or appeal: His youth pleads for him.
4. Law.
a. to make any allegation or plea in an action at law.
b. to put forward an answer on the part of a defendant to a legal declaration or charge.
c. to address a court as an advocate.
d. Obs. to prosecute a suit or action at law.
v.t.
5. to allege or urge in defense, justification, or excuse: to plead ignorance.
6. Law.
a. to maintain (a cause) by argument before a court.
b. to allege or set forth (something) formally in an action at law.
c. to allege or cite in legal defense: to plead a statute of limitations.
[ 1200-50; ME plaiden plaid ( i ) er to go to law, plead placitare to litigate, deriv. of L placitum opinion. See PLEA ]
Syn. 1. beg, supplicate. 2. reason. 5. claim.