plead
//pliːd//
Forms
- present (v1)
- plead
- past (v2)
- pleaded
- past participle (v3)
- pleaded
- present participle
- pleading
- 3rd person singular
- pleads
Definitions
1.To present (an argument or a plea), especially in a legal case.
- The defendant has decided to plead not guilty.
- O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!
- At the High Court in Aberdeen in September, NR pleaded guilty to a series of failings, including failing to tell the driver that it was unsafe to drive the train at the 75mph line speed.
2.To beg, beseech, or implore, especially emotionally.
- He pleaded with me not to leave the house.
- He was pleading for mercy.
3.To offer by way of excuse.
- Not wishing to attend the banquet, I pleaded illness.
- It is no defence to plead that you were only obeying orders.
4.To discuss by arguments.
Frequency
Overall
Uncommon· #3822
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Uncommon
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
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”).