plea Definition

plea
noun pleas

1. An earnest appeal.

Thesaurus: appeal, request, supplication, petition, suit, imploration, entreaty.
2. law.
A statement made in a court of law by or on behalf of the defendant.
Thesaurus: defence, argument, case, claim, extenuation, invocation, justification, vindication.
3. An excuse.

Example: refused the invitation on the plea of a headache

Etymology: 13c: from French plaid agreement or decision.