From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishpleaplea /pliː/ ●○○ noun 1 [countable]ASK FOR something/ASK somebody TO DO something a request that is urgent or full of emotionplea for a plea for help Caldwell made a plea for donations.plea to The parents made an emotional plea to their child’s kidnappers.2 [countable usually singular]SCC a statement by someone in a court of law saying whether they are guilty or not a guilty pleamake/enter a plea Adams entered a plea of ‘not guilty’.3 [singular]REASON an excuse for something He refused the appointment on a plea of illness.
Examples from the Corpus
plea• My final plea is that those who create new policies take seriously and consider fully the perspectives and situations of the practitioner.• He sent a message saying that the Phoenix King did not answer demands but granted pleas.• A heartfelt plea to any theatre proprietors who have a venue available during November.• Benitez, disgusted, gestured toward home plate umpire Jim Joyce, then turned toward McCoy, who ignored his plea.• The goddess listened to his plea.• She had returned to try one more plea, but had stopped to listen.• And owners note a perceptible increase in door-hangers, fliers and other pleas from agents to put their homes up for sale.• And you stand condemned to centuries of ignominy, your well-polished plea unheard.• Ignoring the man's pleas, the soldier shot him in the head.• A homeless mother of six made a tearful plea for a home for her family.plea for• a mother's plea for helpmake/enter a plea• Highway 101 near Asti July 11, but entered a plea of no contest to assaulting the peace officer during the escape.• Clark entered a plea of not guilty.• So may I enter a plea for simplicity, homeliness and humour, in the teaching of chemistry?• Bokin, wearing a jailhouse orange shirt and slacks, did not enter a plea during his court hearing.• She made a plea to councillors representing the area to stick by their voters and ensure buses continue to serve the estate.• His first appearance, an arraignment to enter a plea of guilty or not-guilty, is required by law.• He is not required to enter a plea at this point.From Longman Business Dictionarypleaplea /pliː/ noun [countable usually singular]LAW a statement by someone in a court of law, saying whether they are guilty of a crime or notYour honor, we enter (=make) a plea of ‘not guilty’.Origin plea (1200-1300) Old French plait, plaid, from Latin placitum “decision”, from placere; → PLEASE2 