\Plead\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Pleaded} (colloq. {Plead}or
{Pled}); p. pr. & vb. n. {Pleading}.] [OE. pleden, plaiden,
OF. plaidier, F. plaider, fr. LL. placitare, fr. placitum.
See {Plea}.]
1. To argue in support of a claim, or in defense against the
   claim of another; to urge reasons for or against a thing;
   to attempt to persuade one by argument or supplication; to
   speak by way of persuasion; as, to plead for the life of a
   criminal; 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. 21.
2. (Law) To present an answer, by allegation of fact, to the
   declaration of a plaintiff; to deny the plaintiff's
   declaration and demand, or to allege facts which show that
   ought not to recover in the suit; in a less strict sense,
   to make an allegation of fact in a cause; to carry on the
   allegations of the respective parties in a cause; to carry
   on a suit or plea. --Blackstone. Burrill. Stephen.
3. To contend; to struggle. [Obs.] --Chaucer.

\Plead\, v. t.
1. To discuss, defend, and attempt to maintain by arguments
   or reasons presented to a tribunal or person having
   uthority to determine; to argue at the bar; as, to plead a
   cause before a court or jury.
         Every man should plead his own matter. --Sir T.
                                               More.
Note: In this sense, argue is more generally used by lawyers.
2. To allege or cite in a legal plea or defense, or for
   repelling a demand in law; to answer to an indictment; as,
   to plead usury; to plead statute of limitations; to plead
   not guilty. --Kent.
3. To allege or adduce in proof, support, or vendication; to
   offer in excuse; as, the law of nations may be pleaded in
   favor of the rights of ambassadors. --Spenser.
         I will neither plead my age nor sickness, in excuse
         of faults.                            --Dryden.