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