Plead

v. t. 1. To discuss, defend, and attempt to maintain by arguments or reasons presented to a tribunal or person having uthority to determine; to argue at the bar; as, to plead a cause before a court or jury. [ 1913 Webster ]

Every man should plead his own matter. Sir T. More. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ In this sense, argue is more generally used by lawyers. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To allege or cite in a legal plea or defense, or for repelling a demand in law; to answer to an indictment; as, to plead usury; to plead statute of limitations; to plead not guilty. Kent. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To allege or adduce in proof, support, or vendication; to offer in excuse; as, the law of nations may be pleaded in favor of the rights of ambassadors. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

I will neither plead my age nor sickness, in excuse of faults. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Capable of being pleaded; capable of being alleged in proof, defense, or vindication; as, a right or privilege pleadable at law. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. plaideur. ] 1. One who pleads; one who argues for or against; an advotate. [ 1913 Webster ]

So fair a pleader any cause may gain. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Law) One who draws up or forms pleas; the draughtsman of pleas or pleadings in the widest sense; as, a special pleader. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The act of advocating, defending, or supporting, a cause by arguments. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a pleading manner. [ 1913 Webster ]