counterplea

[ koun-ter-plee ]

noun

, Law.

1. an answering plea, as a plaintiff's response to a defendant's plea.

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterplea¹

First recorded in 1555–65; counter- + plea

Example Sentences

This canon was adopted and explained by an English statute of 1276; and bigamy, therefore, became a usual counterplea to the claim of benefit of clergy.

From Project Gutenberg

Those of their day, all counterpleas notwithstanding, resemble the ethics of the patriarchs, of that far antiquity which regarded marriage with a stranger as immoral, and allowed only of marriage amongst kinsfolk.

From Project Gutenberg

But his counterplea when it came was of a disconcerting briefness and potency.

From Project Gutenberg

The summons was issued four times, after which, if the accused did not appear, he lost the right of counterplea, or was nonsuited.

From Project Gutenberg