The formal entry of the defendant's defense on the record. In a popular sense, it signifies the argument in a cause, but it is not so used by the profession.
- vb. 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. (Law) 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 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. To contend; to struggle.
- vb. To discuss, defend, and attempt to maintain by arguments or reasons presented to a tribunal or person having authority to determine; to argue at the bar; as, to plead a ...