plea plea /ˈpliː/

noun

1. (law) an answer indicating why a suit should be dismissed  ( plea )
   (law) an answer indicating why a suit should be dismissed
   
2. (law) a defendant's answer by a factual matter (as distinguished from a demurrer)  ( plea )
   (law) a defendant's answer by a factual matter (as distinguished from a demurrer)
    The defendant entered a guilty plea and was sentenced accordingly
   The defendant entered a guilty plea and was sentenced accordingly
   
3. A humble request for help from someone in authority  ( plea , supplication )
   a humble request for help from someone in authority