vt.

1. 【律】為（案件）辯護；作為答辯提出
   The boy pleaded innocence and said he had not stolen the fruit.

   那男孩辯稱無罪並說他未曾偷水果。

2. 以……為理由，以……為口實[+that]
   He pleaded illness as the reason for his absence.

   他以生病作為缺席的理由。

3. 【律】（不用被動式）承認
   He pleaded guilty.

   他承認有罪。

vi.

1. 辯護，抗辯[（+for/against）]
   I heard him plead in court only once.

   我只有一次聽到他在法庭上作辯護。

2. 懇求[（+with/for）]
   The boy pleaded for mercy.

   那男孩懇求寬恕。

v.

1. make an emotional appeal.
2. present and argue for (a position), especially in court or in another public context.
   ▸Law  address a court as an advocate on behalf of a party.
3. Law  state formally in court whether one is guilty or not guilty of the offence with which one is charged.
   ▸invoke (a reason or a point of law) as an accusation or defence:

   she pleaded self-defence.
   ▸offer or present as an excuse for doing or not doing something.