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pleading

adj. · n. · v.
US //ˈpɫidɪŋ// UK //plˈiːdɪŋ// plead·ing
  1. 1 begging or entreating (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    showing in your voice or face that you are begging for something or want someone to be kind.

    expressing an earnest, humble, or urgent entreaty; often used to describe facial expressions or vocal tones.

    Example

    The dog gave her a pleading look when she finished her sandwich.

    Example

    He spoke in a pleading tone, hoping to convince the committee to grant him one final extension on the project deadline.
    • imploring
    • beseeching
    • entreating
  2. 2 legal documents (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Formal Law

    formal written statements that people in a court case give to the judge to explain their side.

    formal written statements filed by the parties in a civil or criminal case that state their respective claims and defences.

    Example

    The lawyer spent the afternoon preparing the pleading for the new case.

    Example

    The judge reviewed the initial pleadings to determine whether the plaintiff had sufficient grounds to proceed with the litigation.

    Usage

    Often used in the plural form 'pleadings' to refer to the entire set of documents.
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  1. 3 the act of begging (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of asking for something in a very strong or emotional way.

    the present participle or gerund of 'plead', referring to the act of making an earnest appeal or a formal statement in court.

    Example

    Pleading with him was useless because he had already made up his mind.

    Example

    After hours of pleading for mercy, the prisoner was finally allowed to speak with a legal representative.
Origin

By surface analysis, plead + -ing.

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