Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for PLEAD
PLEAD, v.i. [See Plea.]
- In a general sense, to argue in support of a claim, or in defense against the claim of another.
- 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.
- 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.
- To supplicate with earnestness.
- 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.
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