Plead — Defs

01 v. t. To argue in support of a claim, or in defense against the claim of another; to urge reasons for or against a thing; to attempt to persuade …

imp. & p. p. Pleaded; p. pr. & vb. n. Pleading

1.
To argue in support of a claim, or in defense against the claim of another; to urge reasons for or against a thing; to attempt to persuade one by argument or supplication; to speak by way of persuasion; as, to plead for the life of a criminal; to plead with a judge or with a father.colloq.
“O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbor!” — Job xvi. 21.
2.
To present an answer, by allegation of fact, to the declaration of a plaintiff; to deny the plaintiff's declaration and demand, or to allege facts which show that he ought not to recover in the suit; in a less strict sense, to make an allegation of fact in a cause; to carry on the allegations of the respective parties in a cause; to carry on a suit or plea.(Law)
3.
To contend; to struggle.[Obs.]

02 v. t. To discuss, defend, and attempt to maintain by arguments or reasons presented to a tribunal or person having uthority to determine; to argu…

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.
“Every man should plead his own matter.” — Sir T. More.
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.
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.
“I will neither plead my age nor sickness, in excuse of faults.” — Dryden.