verb
plead
To formally answer a criminal charge, such as by declaring guilt or innocence.
The defendant pleads not guilty to the charges against her.
Etymology
The French verb concerns presenting a legal case. This sense specializes the act to giving the formal answer required of an accused person.
More examples
- He pleaded guilty to theft at his arraignment.
- She chooses to plead no contest to the charge.
- Both defendants are pleading not guilty.
Forms
plead · pleads · pleaded · pled · pleading
plea noun — A formal answer to a criminal charge.