Dictionary

pleading

noun

: the act of asking for something in a serious and emotional way

law : one of the formal, usually written statements made by the two sides of a legal case in a court of law

Full Definition of PLEADING

: advocacy of a cause in a court of law

a : one of the formal usually written allegations and counter allegations made alternately by the parties in a legal action or proceeding

b : the action or process performed by the parties in presenting such formal allegations until a single point at issue is produced

c : the introduction of one of these allegations and especially the first one

d : the body of rules according to which these allegations are framed

: the act or an instance of making a plea

: a sincere entreaty

See pleading defined for English-language learners

14th century

Synonyms: adjuration, appeal, conjuration, cry, desire, entreaty, petition, plea, prayer, solicitation, suit, suppliance, supplication

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