<p><strong>Noun:</strong></p><ul><li>an appeal or entreaty: a plea for mercy</li><li>something that is alleged, urged, or pleaded in defense or justification</li><li>an excuse; pretext: He begged off on the plea that his car wasn't working</li><li>Law: an allegation made by, or on behalf of, a party to a legal suit, in support of their claim or defense</li><li>a defendant's answer to a legal declaration or charge</li><li>(in courts of equity) a plea that admits the truth of the declaration, but alleges special or new matter in avoidance</li><li>Obsolete: a suit or action</li></ul>