(law) a defendant's answer by a factual matter (as distinguished from a demurrer)
1 In equity, a special answer relying upon one ore more things a reason for the suit to be dismissed, delayed or barred At law, broadly, any one of the common law pleadings Technically, the defendant's or respondent's answer the matter of fact to the plaintiff's petition or complaint In the criminal procedure, the defendant will enter a plea at his arraignment of not guilty, guilty or in some jurisdictions, nolo contendere or non vult (meaning no contest)
In chancery practice, a plea is a special answer showing or relying upon one or more things as a cause why the suit should be either dismissed, delayed, or barred
A plea is the delivery, in a formal manner, of the defendant's response to the plaintiff's declaration, complaint, or to the indictment