plea
/pliːə/A formal request made to a court or judge, often in a criminal case, where the defendant enters a plea of guilty or not guilty.
The defendant entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.
The defendant's plea of not guilty was recorded in the court documents.
In legal contexts, a plea is a formal response to a criminal charge, typically 'guilty' or 'not guilty.'
An urgent or emotional request for help, mercy, or assistance.
She made a desperate plea for help after the accident.
His plea for mercy fell on deaf ears.
In everyday language, a plea is often an emotional or urgent request.
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💡Pro Tip
Legal vs. General Usage
Remember that 'plea' has a specific legal meaning (guilty/not guilty) and a broader general meaning (urgent request).
⚡Gold Rule
Legal Context
In law, a plea is always a formal response to criminal charges, not just any request.
📖Word Origin
From Middle English 'pleien,' meaning to plead or argue, from Old French 'plai,' from Latin 'placitum,' meaning 'agreement, decree.'
📝Usage Notes
In legal contexts, 'plea' refers specifically to a defendant's response to charges. In general usage, it can be any urgent or emotional request.