Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PLEAD, v.i. [See Plea.]

1. In a general sense, to argue in support of a claim, or in defense against the claim of another.
2. In law, to present an answer to the declaration of a plaintif; to deny the plaintif's declaration and demand, or to alledge facts which show that he ought not to recover in the suit. The plaintif declares or alledges; the defendant pleads to his declaration. The king or the state prosecutes an offender, and the offender pleads not guilty, or confesses the charge.
3. To urge reasons for or against; to attempt to persuade one by argument or supplication; as, to plead for the life of a criminal; to plead in his favor; 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.
4. To supplicate with earnestness.
5. To urge; to press by operating on the passions. Since you can love, and yet your error see, / The same resistless power may plead for me. – Dryden.