implead

American  

[im-pleed] / ɪmˈplid /

verb (used with object)

impleaded, impleading

1. to sue in a court of law.

2. to bring (a new party) into an action because they are or may be liable to the suing party for all or part of the claim against the party being sued.

3. to accuse; impeach.

4. Archaic. to plead (a suit).

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implead British  

/ ɪmˈpliːd /

verb

1. 1. to sue or prosecute

   2. to bring an action against

2. to accuse

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Other Word Forms

• impleadable adjective
• impleader noun

Etymology

Origin of implead

First recorded in 1250–1300; late Middle English impleden, Middle English empleden, from Anglo-French empleder; im- ¹, plead

Example Sentences

In those of the Tailors and Skinners the decision of the company under date of August 23, 1627, is recorded thus:—“The Wardens and Sitters met and agreed that the Wardens should fetch process for Intruders and implead them before the Council in the Marches, and Mr Chelmicke to draw the bill against them.”

From Project Gutenberg

It has rightly been maintained, that he could implead his master in consequence of an agreement with him.

From Project Gutenberg

Implead, im-plēd′, v.t. to prosecute a suit at law.—n.

From Project Gutenberg

But they all answered with one voice, that such had ever been the custom, that is to say, that ten of them should assist the other forty, and that they could not thereupon—nor ought they thereupon—to answer, nor yet to implead.

From Project Gutenberg

Henry II., by an undated charter, confirmed former privileges and granted to the citizens that no one should implead them outside the city walls and that the pleas of the crown should be decided according to the customs of the city.

From Project Gutenberg