† counterˈplead, v. Obs.
Also 4–5 contre-, conter-, counter-, countre-, countur-, countyr-plede, -pleide, -plete.
[a. AF. contreplede-r, f. contre- against + pleder to plead.]
1. Law. To plead in opposition to (a declaration, demand, voucher, etc., of the opposite party); to make a counterplea.
| [1275 Act 3 Edw. I, c. 40 Purveu est en brief de possession..que si le tenaunt vouche a garaunt, e le demaundaunt le contre pleide, etc. 1292 Britton iii. xi. §15 Et si le autre garraunt viegne en court et countreplede la garrauntie.] 1530 Palsgr. 500/1 Whan a man of lawe maketh a reason peremtorie, it can nat be contrepleted. 1613 Sir H. Finch Law (1636) 370 If the vouchee counterplead the warrantie, and it be found against him, he shall lose the land. 1642 Perkins Prof. Bk. iii. §200 The demandant may well counterpleade the voucher. |
| fig. 1534 More On the Passion Wks. 1280/1 His mercy no cause had to counterpleade his iustice, in abridgyng the eternitye of the proude spirites paine. 1589 Warner Alb. Eng. Prose Add. (1612) 338 æneas..thankfully acknowledged her great bountie, counter-pleading to haue pretended a departure without leaue taken. |
b. absol. To plead or argue one against the other.
| c 1611 Sylvester Du Bartas ii. iv. iv. Wks. (1621) 500 There is a Tale, that once the Hoast of Birds..ambitiously did strive, And counter-plead for the Prerogative. |
2. gen. To argue against (a person, statement, etc.); to oppose in argument; to contradict.
| 1377 Langl. P. Pl. B. xii. 100 Ne countreplede clerkes I conseille þe for eure. c 1385 Chaucer L.G.W. Prol. 476 Lat be thyn arguynge For loue ne wele nat countyrpletyd be In ryght ne wrong. |
| absol. 1430 Lydg. Chron. Troy Prol., Agayne the trouth who so euer striue Or counterplede or make any debate. |