plea

1. An appeal, petition, urgent prayer or entreaty.

   a plea for mercy

2. An excuse; an apology.
3. That which is alleged or pleaded, in defense or in justification.
4. That which is alleged by a party in support of his cause.
5. An allegation of fact in a cause, as distinguished from a demurrer.
6. The defendant’s answer to the plaintiff’s declaration and demand.
7. A cause in court; a lawsuit; as, the Court of Common Pleas.

verb

To plead; to argue.