plea
UK: pliː | US: pliː
n. a formal statement made by or on behalf of a defendant in court, declaring guilt or innocence
n. an urgent request or appeal
n. an excuse or justification
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The word "plea" originates from the Old French "plait" or "plaid," meaning "lawsuit, agreement, or discussion," which itself derives from the Latin "placitum," meaning "a decree or opinion." The Latin root "placere" (to please) underpins the idea of reaching an agreement or settling a dispute. Over time, "plea" evolved in English to specifically denote a defendant's formal response in court, while retaining its broader sense of an earnest request.
The defendant entered a plea of not guilty.
She made a heartfelt plea for help.
His plea for more time was denied.
The charity issued a plea for donations.
Ignorance is no plea for breaking the law.