make an allegation in an action or other legal proceeding, especially answer the previous pleading of the other party by denying facts therein stated or by alleging new facts
"The defense attorney pleaded a series of alibis to counter the prosecution's opening statement."
To present (an argument or a plea), especially in a legal case.
"The defense attorney will plead her client's innocence during the upcoming trial."
The word plead comes from Old French plaider, meaning "to offer a plea." This term ultimately traces back to Medieval Latin placitum, which referred to a decree or suit and literally meant something pleasing.