plead

Pronunciation: /pliːd/

The English word “plead” has 4 meanings listed here.

verb

To present (an argument or a plea), especially in a legal case.
To beg, beseech, or implore, especially emotionally.
To offer by way of excuse.
To discuss by arguments.

Etymology

From Middle English pleden, plaiden, from Old French plaider (“to plead, offer a plea”), from plait, from Medieval Latin placitum (“a decree, sentence, suit, plea, etc.", in Classical Latin, "an opinion, determination, prescription, order; literally, that which is pleasing, pleasure”), neuter of placitus, past participle of placeō (“to please”). Cognate with Spanish pleitear (“to litigate, take…

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Definitions are from Wiktionary, extracted by Kaikki.org, and are available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.