▪ I. special pleader1
[See pleader1.]
1. Law. A member of an Inn of Court who devotes himself mainly to the drawing of pleadings, and to attending at Judges' chambers (Wharton).
| 1804 Act 44 Geo. III, c. 98 Schedule A, Certificate to be taken out by every Special Pleader. 1870 Jury Act, Schedule, Persons exempt from serving on juries... Serjeants, barristers-at-law, certificated conveyancers, and special pleaders if actually practising. 1891 Stamp Act §48 (a), The certificates of..conveyancers, special pleaders and draftsmen in Equity in England. |
| fig. 1901 H. Sutcliffe Willowdene Will i. 21 They showed clean hoofs to the highwayman's undischarged special pleaders [= pistols]. |
2. One who uses special pleading; a disingenuous or sophistical disputant.
| 1809 Malkin Gil Blas iv. iii. ¶4 All the arts of a thorough⁓bred special pleader. |
▪ II. special pleader2
[See pleader2.]
A special plea; a piece of one-sided pleading.
| 1891 Pall Mall G. 30 Sept. 7/2 Nor do we find it so cheap as is stated in Mr. Percy Lindley's special pleader for the cause of those interested in this particular tour. |