pleading

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

1.To argue in support of a claim, or in defense against the claim of another; to urge reasons for or against a thing; to attempt to persuade one by argument or supplication; to speak by way of persuasion; as, to plead for the life of a criminal; to plead with a judge or with a father. [1913 Webster]

O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbor!— Job xvi. 21.[1913 Webster]

2.(Law) To present an answer, by allegation of fact, to the declaration of a plaintiff; to deny the plaintiff's declaration and demand, or to allege facts which show that ought not to recover in the suit; in a less strict sense, to make an allegation of fact in a cause; to carry on the allegations of the respective parties in a cause; to carry on a suit or plea. --Blackstone. Burrill. Stephen. [1913 Webster]

3.To contend; to struggle. [Obs.] --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]