plead

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 to court”).

verb

1. (transitive, intransitive, copulative) To present (an argument or a plea), especially in a legal case.
   The defendant has decided to plead not guilty.
2. (intransitive) To beg, beseech, or implore, especially emotionally.
   He pleaded with me not to leave the house.
   He was pleading for mercy.
3. (transitive) To offer by way of excuse.
   Not wishing to attend the banquet, I pleaded illness.
   It is no defence to plead that you were only obeying orders.
4. (transitive) To discuss by arguments.