plead: Meaning and Definition of

plead

Pronunciation: (plēd), [key]
— v., plead•ed pled plead&syling.
—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.
    1. to make any allegation or plea in an action at law.
    2. to put forward an answer on the part of a defendant to a legal declaration or charge.
    3. to address a court as an advocate.
    4. Obs.to prosecute a suit or action at law.
—v.t.
  1. to allege or urge in defense, justification, or excuse: to plead ignorance.
  2. to plead a statute of limitations.
    1. to maintain (a cause) by argument before a court.
    2. to allege or set forth (something) formally in an action at law.
    3. to allege or cite in legal defense:to plead a statute of limitations.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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