Emily Dickinson Lexicon

plea, n. [ME plaid < OFr < L. placit-um, decision, decree, that which pleases or is agreed upon.] (webplay: live, love).

1. Explanation; excuse; justification for picking flowers to send to a loved one.
2. Quiet appeal; silent request; voiceless entreaty; wordless supplication.
3. Claim; right; prayer; [fig.] hope; chance; felicitous prospect; high expectation.