Alternative spelling of plead the Fifth (both senses)

(law, US) To invoke the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which protects witnesses from being forced to incriminate themselves.

(US law) The filing under state law of a claim naturally arising under federal law.

plural of artful pleading

Arguing that a particular case is an exception to a generally accepted rule, without justification and without a relevant basis.

Third-person singular simple present indicative form of plead the belly

present participle of plead the belly

(historical) To attempt to use one's claimed pregnancy to avoid execution.

plural of special pleading