Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun plea

3 senses of plea

Sense 1
supplication, plea -- (a humble request for help from someone in authority)
       => entreaty, prayer, appeal -- (earnest or urgent request; "an entreaty to stop the fighting"; "an appeal for help"; "an appeal to the public to keep calm")

Sense 2
plea -- ((law) a defendant's answer by a factual matter (as distinguished from a demurrer))
       => answer -- (the principal pleading by the defendant in response to plaintiff's complaint; in criminal law it consists of the defendant's plea of `guilty' or `not guilty' (or nolo contendere); in civil law it must contain denials of all allegations in the plaintiff's complaint that the defendant hopes to controvert and it can contain affirmative defenses or counterclaims)

Sense 3
plea -- (an answer indicating why a suit should be dismissed)
       => due process, due process of law -- ((law) the administration of justice according to established rules and principles; based on the principle that a person cannot be deprived of life or liberty or property without appropriate legal procedures and safeguards)