plead /ˈplid/
 (vi.)辯護,懇求(vt.)為…辯護,托稱


 Plead v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pleaded (colloq. Plead or Pled); 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.
    O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbor!   --Job xvi. 21.
 2. 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 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.
 3. To contend; to struggle. [Obs.]


 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.
    Every man should plead his own matter.   --Sir T. More.
 Note: ☞ In this sense, argue is more generally used by lawyers.
 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.

 ◄ ►


 plead
      v 1: appeal or request earnestly; "I pleaded with him to stop"
      2: offer as an excuse or plea; "She was pleading insanity"
      3: enter a plea, as in courts of law; "She pleaded not guilty"
      4: make an allegation in an action or other legal proceeding,
         especially answer the previous pleading of the other party
         by denying facts therein stated or by alleging new facts
      [also: pled]