pleading

American  

[plee-ding] / ˈpli dɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person who pleads.

2. Law.

   1. the advocating of a cause in a court of law.

   2. the art or science of setting forth or drawing pleas in legal causes.

   3. a formal statement, usually written, setting forth the cause of action or defense of a case.

   4. pleadings, the successive statements delivered alternately by plaintiff and defendant until the issue is joined.

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pleading British  

/ ˈpliːdɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of presenting a case in court, as by a lawyer on behalf of his client

2. the art or science of preparing the formal written statements of the parties to a legal action See also pleadings

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Other Word Forms

• nonpleading
  adjective
• nonpleadingly
  adverb
• pleadingly
  adverb
• pleadingness
  noun
• unpleading
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of pleading

1250–1300; Middle English pledynge (gerund). See plead, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Pleading to a felony would also likely mean that he would lose his license to practice law, which is no small concern.

From Slate • Aug. 14, 2023

Pleading with Mr Pearson to return home with Jayden, she said: "Please Andy, let the boys be together. Let me be a mum to Jayden and you will always be their dad, no matter what."

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2023

Pleading for international support on Lebanese TV, he said his government was ready to allow aid for quake victims to enter all regions, provided the aid did not reach armed terrorist groups.

From New York Times • Feb. 7, 2023

Pleading guilty to the remaining charges would mean no more trials.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 30, 2022

Pleading illness, Lord Gulian Swann had remained in his castle, taking no part in the war, but his eldest son had ridden with Renly and now Stannis, while Balon, the younger, served at King's landing.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin