An appeal, petition, urgent prayer or entreaty.

An excuse; an apology.

That which is alleged or pleaded, in defense or in justification.

(law) That which is alleged by a party in support of his cause.

(law) An allegation of fact in a cause, as distinguished from a demurrer.

(law) The defendant’s answer to the plaintiff’s declaration and demand.

(law) A cause in court; a lawsuit; as, the Court of Common Pleas.

(chiefly England regional, Scotland) To plead; to argue.