an appeal or entreaty

a plea for mercy.

something that is alleged, urged, or pleaded in defense or justification.

an excuse; pretext

He begged off on the plea that his car wasn't working.

Law .

an allegation made by, or on behalf of, a party to a legal suit, in support of his or her claim or defense.

a defendant's answer to a legal declaration or charge.

(in courts of equity) a plea that admits the truth of the declaration, but alleges special or new matter in avoidance.

Obsolete . a suit or action. ?

cop a plea

Slang . cop 1 ( def. 5b ) .

noun

answer , reply , decision , sentence

noun

appeal , application , entreaty , imploration , imprecation , intercession , orison , overture , petition , prayer , round robin , solicitation , suit , supplication , action , alibi , allegation , apology , argument , cause , claim , cop-out , explanation , extenuation , fish tale , justification , mitigation , out , palliation , pleading , pretext , rationalization , right , song and dance * , story , vindication , whitewash * , advocation , blandishment , contention , defense , excuse , request , solicit