plea

plea · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An urgent or emotional request.

  2. 2.

    (law) A defendant's statement in court declaring guilt or innocence.

  3. 3.

    An excuse or justification.

Forms

plural: pleas

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    plea bargain — An agreement where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge.
  • •
    cop a plea — (informal) To plead guilty, especially to a lesser charge.

Related words

Antonyms: demand, refusal
See also: appeal, plead, request
Synonyms: appeal, entreaty, request

Etymology

From Anglo-French plai, plaid ("lawsuit, discussion"), from Medieval Latin placitum ("decree, sentence").