English Explanatory Dictionary

plead

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb

To present (an argument or a plea), especially in a legal case.
To beg, beseech, or implore, especially emotionally.
To offer by way of excuse.
To discuss by arguments.

Pronunciation

/pliːd/ en-us-plead.ogg /plɛd/

Word forms

plead pleads pleading pleaded pled

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”). Cognate with Spanish pleitear (“to litigate, take to court”).

Synonyms

appeal ask beg request entreat allege claim cry maintain

Related words

plea pleasant please pleasurable pleasure

Derived words

counterplead emplead implead interplead misplead outplead pleadable plead down pleader plead out plead over plead the belly plead the blood of Jesus plead the Fifth plead up replead unpleaded

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