Law. Also 7 -plee. [COUNTER- 3.] An answer or replication to a plea or request made, in which arguments are advanced why the same should not be admitted.
1565. T. Stapleton, Fortr. Faith, 69. Is this counterplea good by any lawe … of man or of God?
1613. Sir H. Finch, Law (1636), 370. In writs of right or of possession … that is a good counterplea.
1809. Tomlins, Law Dict., s.v. Benefit of Clergy, Against the defendant’s prayer of clergy, the prosecutor may file a Counter-Plea; alledging some fact, which in law deprives the defendant of the privilege he claims.
1832. Ht. Martineau, Ella of Gar., v. 60. She now asked impatiently where the laird was. Not where she could reach him to lodge a counter-plea, the steward answered.
fig. 1607. Hieron, Wks., I. 393. A counter-plea to that prophane and peremptory principle of the atheists.
