implead

[ im-pleed ]

verb (used with object)

, im·plead·ed, im·plead·ing.

1. to sue in a court of law.
2. to bring (a new party) into an action because they are or may be liable to the suing party for all or part of the claim against the party being sued.
3. to accuse; impeach.
4. Archaic. to plead (a suit).

implead

/ ɪmˈpliːd /

verb

1. 1. to sue or prosecute
   2. to bring an action against
2. to accuse

Derived Forms

• imˈpleadable, adjective
• imˈpleader, noun

Other Words From

• im·plead·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of implead¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; late Middle English impleden, Middle English empleden, from Anglo-French empleder; im- ¹, plead

Word History and Origins

Origin of implead¹

C13: from Anglo-French empleder; see im- , plead

Example Sentences

In those of the Tailors and Skinners the decision of the company under date of August 23, 1627, is recorded thus:—“The Wardens and Sitters met and agreed that the Wardens should fetch process for Intruders and implead them before the Council in the Marches, and Mr Chelmicke to draw the bill against them.”

From Project Gutenberg

It has rightly been maintained, that he could implead his master in consequence of an agreement with him.

From Project Gutenberg

Implead, im-plēd′, v.t. to prosecute a suit at law.—n.

From Project Gutenberg

But they all answered with one voice, that such had ever been the custom, that is to say, that ten of them should assist the other forty, and that they could not thereupon—nor ought they thereupon—to answer, nor yet to implead.

From Project Gutenberg

This allowed freedmen to sue and be sued, implead and be impleaded, and to own personal property, but added the important proviso that the section should not be construed “to allow any freedman, free negro or mulatto to rent or lease any lands or tenements, except in incorporated towns or cities,” where they should be controlled by the corporate authorities.

From Project Gutenberg