plead over
C1 formal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
An old legal term for when a defendant responds to a criminal charge by arguing the legal process was wrong rather than simply saying 'not guilty.'
Meanings
1 C1 formal
(Archaic legal) To respond to a criminal indictment by raising a new objection or pleading a special matter rather than entering a direct denial.
"The defendant's counsel chose to plead over, challenging the court's jurisdiction rather than contesting the facts."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Highly specialized, archaic legal terminology found mostly in historical legal texts. Not used in modern everyday speech. ESL learners are unlikely to encounter this except in historical or legal contexts.
Commonly used with
indictment charge matter case
Forms
Base
plead over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pleads over
he/she/it
Past simple
pleaded over
yesterday
Past participle
pleaded over
have + pp
-ing form
pleading over
continuous
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