Webster's English Dictionary

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plead

plead \'ple-d\ \'ple-d-*d\ \'pled\ \'ple-d-*-b*l\ vb or plead.ed or pled;  
   or plead.ing [ME plaiden to institute a lawsuit, fr. LF plaidier, fr. 
   plaidX plea 1: to argue a case or cause in a court of law  2a: to make an 
   allegation in an action or other legal proceeding; espX : to answer the 
   previous pleading of the other party by denying facts therein stated or by 
   alleging new facts 2b: to conduct pleadings  3: to make a plea of a 
   specified nature {~ not guilty}  4a: to argue for or against a claim  4b: 
   to entreat or appeal earnestly : IMPLORE  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 usu. in defense, apology, or excuse  - 
   plead.able aj