counterplean.
Law.figurative.1607 S. Hieron Spirituall Tillage in Wks. (1620) I. 393 A counter-plea to that prophane and peremptory principle of the atheists.
An answer or replication to a plea or request made, in which arguments are advanced why the same should not be admitted.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > pleading > [noun] > a pleading or plea > plea in answer to charge or declaration
pleaa1393
rejoininga1449
age prayerc1523
counterplea1565
1565 T. Stapleton Fortresse of Faith f. 69 Is this counterplea good by any lawe..of man or of God?
1613 H. Finch Law (1636) 370 In writs of right or of possession..that is a good counterplea.
1809 T. E. Tomlins Jacob's Law-dict. at Benefit of Clergy Against the defendant's prayer of clergy, the prosecutor may file a Counter-Plea; alledging some fact, which in law deprives the defendant of the privilege he claims.
1832 H. Martineau Ella of Garveloch v. 60 She now asked impatiently where the laird was. Not where she could reach him to lodge a counter-plea, the steward answered.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1893; most recently modified version published online December 2020).
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