1 [no obj] : to ask for something in a serious and emotional way
▪ He begged and pleaded, but she would not change her mind. — often + for ▪ She pleaded [=begged] for forgiveness and got her job back. ▪ pleading for help/mercy — often + with ▪ He pleaded with the judge not to send him to jail. 2 [+ obj] : to try to prove (a case) in a court of law
▪ She couldn't afford a lawyer to plead her case. 3 [no obj] : to say in court that you are either guilty or not guilty of a crime : to make a plea
▪ “How do you plead?” asked the judge. ▪ “We plead guilty, Your Honor.” ▪ He pled not guilty by reason of insanity. [=he said in court that he was not responsible for the crime because he was insane] ▪ He agreed to plead to a lesser charge of manslaughter. 4 [+ obj] : to give (something) as a reason or excuse for something
▪ He pleaded that he didn't have enough money to pay his bill. ▪ On that particular issue, I will have to plead ignorance. [=to say that I do not know anything about it] 5 : to argue in support of (a cause) [+ obj] ▪ They went to plead their cause to the governor. [no obj] ▪ We will plead on your behalf.