Category:Plead

Plead, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pleaded (colloq. Plead or pled); p. pr. & Vb. n. Pleading.] Etym: [oe. pleden, plaiden, of. plaidier, f. Plaider, fr. Ll. placitare, fr. placitum. See plea.]

1. To argue in support of a claim, or in defense against the claim of Another; to urge reasons for or against a thing; to attempt to Persuade one by argument or supplication; to speak by way of Persuasion; as, to plead for the life of a criminal; to plead with a Judge or with a father. O that one might plead for a man with god, as a man pleadeth for his Neighbor! Job xvi. 21.

2. (law)

Defn: to present an answer, by allegation of fact, to the declaration Of a plaintiff; to deny the plaintiff's declaration and demand, or to Allege facts which show that ought not to recover in the suit; in a Less strict sense, to make an allegation of fact in a cause; to carry On the allegations of the respective parties in a cause; to carry on A suit or plea. Blackstone. Burrill. Stephen.

3. To contend; to struggle. [obs.] Chaucer.

Plead Plead, v. t.

1. To discuss, defend, and attempt to maintain by arguments or Reasons presented to a tribunal or person having uthority to Determine; to argue at the bar; as, to plead a cause before a court Or jury. Every man should plead his own matter. Sir t. More.

Note: in this sense, argue is more generally used by lawyers.

2. To allege or cite in a legal plea or defense, or for repelling a Demand in law; to answer to an indictment; as, to plead usury; to Plead statute of limitations; to plead not guilty. Kent.

3. To allege or adduce in proof, support, or vendication; to offer in Excuse; as, the law of nations may be pleaded in favor of the rights Of ambassadors. Spenser. I will neither plead my age nor sickness, in excuse of faults. Dryden.