pleaded

Verb

plead (third-person singular simple present pleads, present participle pleading, simple past and past participle pleaded or (chiefly Canada, US, Scotland) pled or plead)

1. (ambitransitive, copulative) To present (an argument or a plea), especially in a legal case.
   • The defendant has decided to plead not guilty.
2. (intransitive) To beg, beseech, or implore, especially emotionally.
   • He pleaded with me not to leave the house.

   Synonyms:

   appeal, ask, beg, request, entreat

3. (transitive) To offer by way of excuse.
   • Not wishing to attend the banquet, I pleaded illness.

   Synonyms:

   allege, claim, cry, maintain

4. (transitive) To discuss by arguments.