plea

Meanings

Plural: pleas

Noun

a humble request for help from someone in authority
(law) a defendant's answer by a factual matter (as distinguished from a demurrer)
an answer indicating why a suit should be dismissed
An appeal, petition, urgent prayer or entreaty.
An excuse; an apology.
That which is alleged or pleaded, in defense or in justification.
That which is alleged by a party in support of his cause.
An allegation of fact in a cause, as distinguished from a demurrer.
The defendant’s answer to the plaintiff’s declaration and demand.
A cause in court; a lawsuit; as, the Court of Common Pleas.

Verb

To plead; to argue.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English ple, from Old French plait, plaid, from Medieval Latin placitum (“a decree, sentence, suit, plea, etc., Latin an opinion, determination, prescription, order; literally, that which is pleasing, pleasure”), neuter of placitus, past participle of placere (“to please”). Cognate with Spanish pleito (“lawsuit, suit”). Doublet of placit. See also please, pleasure.

Synonyms

plaidoyer, supplication

Scrabble Score: 6

plea is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
plea is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
plea is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 8

plea is a valid Words With Friends word