plea
//pliː//
Noun
pleaSingular
pleasPlural
1
An urgent or emotional request or appeal, especially one made in desperation.
The mother made a desperate plea for help to find her missing child.
2
A formal statement made by or on behalf of a defendant in a court of law, stating guilt or innocence in response to a charge.
The defendant entered a plea of not guilty.
3
An excuse or claim offered as justification for an action or situation.
His plea of ignorance did not convince anyone.