Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - plead

~ v past tense pleaded or pled, especially AmE 1 to ask for something that you want very much, in a sincere and emotional way  ("Don't go!" Robert pleaded.) + for  (The hostages' families pleaded for their safe return.) plead with sb to do sth  (Moira pleaded with her mother to let her go out. | a pleading voice) 2 T not in passive) law to state in a court of law whether or not you are guilty of a crime  (You are charged with grand theft. How do you plead? | plead guilty/not guilty/innocent)  (Henderson pled not guilty to the charge of murder. | The accused is mentally unstable, and unfit to plead.) 3 plead ignorance/illness/insanity etc to give a particular excuse for your actions  (Well, if a cop stops you for speeding, you can always plead ignorance. | She left early, pleading a headache.) 4 to speak or argue in support of something  (plead that)  (Politicians pleaded that raising teachers' salaries would make the job more attractive.)