Definition of: plead

(plēd) v. plead·ed (Colloq. or Dial. pled), plead·ing v.i.
1. To make earnest entreaty; implore; beg.
2. Law a To advocate a case in court. b To file a pleading.
—v.t.
3. To allege as an excuse or defense: to plead insanity.
4. Law To discuss or maintain (a case) by argument. [<OF plaider <plait. See PLEA.]
—plead′a·ble adjective
—plead′er noun Synonyms: advocate, argue, ask, beg, beseech, entreat, implore, press, solicit, urge. To plead for one is to employ argument or persuasion, or both, in his behalf, with earnestness or importunity. One argues a case solely on rational grounds with fair consideration of both sides; he advocates one side for the purpose of carrying it, and under the influence of motives that may range all the way from cold self–interest to the highest and noblest impulses; he pleads a cause, or pleads for a person, with still more intense feeling. Beseech, entreat, and implore imply impassioned earnestness, with direct and tender appeal to personal considerations. Press and urge imply determined or perhaps authoritative insistence. Solicit is a weak word denoting merely an attempt to secure one's consent or cooperation.