special plea

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noun Law.

a plea that alleges special or new matter as an answer to the allegations made by the opposite side and not as a denial of them.

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of special plea

First recorded in 1710–20

Words nearby special plea

special needs, Special Olympics, special order, special partner, special partnership, special plea, special pleading, special privilege, special prosecutor, Special Relativity, special rule

How to use special plea in a sentence

The president issued a special plea from the White House to demand action to address the banks before the weekend was out.
Will Greece Leave the Euro Zone?|Louise Armitstead|June 13, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Professor Woodberry has made a special plea in his Inspiration of Poetry for a return of poetry to poetic madness.
The Literature of Ecstasy|Albert Mordell
Even now their appeal to public sentiment is mainly a special plea for defensive purposes, and has little or no educational value.
Civics and Health|William H. Allen
The next alternative which the prisoners may adopt, is a special plea in bar.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various

The author would like to make a special plea for the playing together of adults and children.
Games for the Playground, Home, School and Gymnasium|Jessie H. Bancroft
He first pleaded not guilty, and then asked to withdraw this plea, and to file a special plea, which was granted.
Assassination of Lincoln: a History of the Great Conspiracy|Thomas Mealey Harris