First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
plead
verb \ˈplēd\
: to ask for something in a serious and emotional way
: to try to prove (a case) in a court of law
: to say in court that you are either guilty or not guilty of a crime : to make a plea
plead·ed \ˈplē-dəd\ or pled also plead \ˈpled\ plead·ing
Full Definition of PLEAD
intransitive verb
1
: to argue a case or cause in a court of law
2
3
: to make a plea of a specified nature <plead not guilty>
4
a : to argue for or against a claim b : to entreat or appeal earnestly
transitive verb
1
: to maintain (as a case or cause) in a court of law or other tribunal
2
: to allege in or by way of a legal plea
3
: to offer as a plea usually in defense, apology, or excuse
— plead·able \ˈplē-də-bəl\ adjective
— plead·er noun
— plead·ing·ly \ˈplē-diŋ-lē\ adverb
See plead defined for English-language learners
See plead defined for kids
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Origin of PLEAD
Middle English pleden, plaiden, from Anglo-French plaider, pleder, from plai plea
PLEAD Defined for Kids
plead
verb \ˈplēd\
plead·ed or pled \ˈpled\plead·ing
Definition of PLEAD for Kids
1
: to ask for in a serious and emotional way : beg <I pleaded for help.>
2
: to offer as a defense, an excuse, or an apology <To avoid going, I'll plead illness.>
3
: to argue for or against : argue in court <His lawyer will plead the case before a jury.>
4
: to answer to a criminal charge <They all plead not guilty.>
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