plea Hear it!

plea definition

plea (plē)

noun

  1. a statement in defense or justification; excuse
  2. an earnest and urgent request; appeal; entreaty
  3. 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

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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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