plead

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   appeal or request earnestly

   I pleaded with the singer to stop.

2. 2
   verb

   enter a plea, as in courts of law

   The defendant pleaded not guilty.

3. 3
   verb

   offer as an excuse or plea

   The children were pleading why they should not have to do their chores.

4. 4
   verb

   To present (an argument or a plea), especially in a legal case.

   The defendant has decided to plead not guilty.

5. 5
   verb

   To beg, beseech, or implore, especially emotionally.

   He pleaded with me not to leave the house.

6. 6
   verb

   To offer by way of excuse.

   Not wishing to attend the banquet, I pleaded illness.

7. 7
   verb

   make an allegation in an action or other legal proceeding, especially answer the previous pleading of the other party by denying facts therein stated or by alleging new facts

8. 8
   verb

   To discuss by arguments.

Etymology

From Middle English pleden, plaiden, from Old French plaider (“to plead, offer a plea”), from plait, from Medieval Latin placitum (“a decree, sentence, suit, plea, etc.", in Classical Latin, "an opinion, determination, prescription, order; literally, that which is pleasing, pleasure”), neuter of placitus, past participle of placeō (“to please”). Cognate with Spanish pleitear (“to litigate, take to court”).