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plea

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The definition of a plea is an urgent or desperate request, or an official statement made by a defendant in a court as to whether he is guilty or innocent.

(noun)

When you are very thirsty and you beg for a drink desperately, this is an example of a plea.
"Not guilty" is an example of a plea made by a defendant who does not wish to admit guilt for the crime for which he is accused.

See plea in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a statement in defense or justification; excuse
an earnest and urgent request; appeal; entreaty
Law
1. a pleading or allegation, now, esp., in a civil action
2. the response of a defendant to criminal charges: a plea of not guilty

Origin: ME plai < OFr plaid, suit, plea < L placitum, opinion, order, orig. that which is pleasing, orig. neut. pp. of placere, to please

See plea in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

An earnest request; an appeal: spoke out in a plea for greater tolerance.
An excuse; a pretext: “necessity,/The Tyrant's plea” (John Milton).
Law
a. An allegation offered in pleading a case.
b. A defendant's answer to the declaration made by the plaintiff in a civil action.
c. The answer of the accused to a criminal charge or indictment: entered a plea of not guilty.
d. A special answer depending on or demonstrating one or more reasons why a suit should be delayed, dismissed, or barred in equity law.
e. An action or suit.