plea

The story

1. Medieval Latin · derived fromplacitum“a decree, sentence, suit, plea, etc., Latin an opinion, determination, prescription, order; literally, that which is pleasing, pleasure”
2. Old French · derived fromplait
3. Middle English · inherited fromple
4. English todayplea

From Middle English ple, from Old French plait, plaid, from Medieval Latin placitum (“a decree, sentence, suit, plea, etc., Latin an opinion, determination, prescription, order; literally, that which is pleasing, pleasure”), neuter of placitus, past participle of placere (“to please”). Cognate with Spanish pleito (“lawsuit, suit”). Doublet of placit. See also please, pleasure.

Words from the same roots

First known use, by meaning

• from 15th c. To plead; to argue.