v. Obs. Also 4–5 contre-, conter-, counter-, countre-, countur-, countyr-plede, -pleide, -plete. [a. AF. contreplede-r, f. contre- against + pleder to PLEAD.]
1. Law. To plead in opposition to (a declaration, demand, voucher, etc., of the opposite party); to make a counterplea.
[1275. Act 3 Edw. I., c. 40. Purveu est en brief de possession … que si le tenaunt vouche a garaunt, e le demaundaunt le contre pleide, [etc.].
1292. Britton, III. xi. § 15. Et si le autre garraunt viegne en court et countreplede la garrauntie.]
1530. Palsgr., 500/1. Whan a man of lawe maketh a reason peremtorie, it can nat be contrepleted.
1613. Sir H. Finch, Law (1636), 370. If the vouchee counterplead the warrantie, and it be found against him, he shall lose the land.
1642. Perkins, Prof. Bk., iii. § 200. The demandant may well counterpleade the voucher.
fig. 1534. More, On the Passion, Wks. 1280/1. His mercy no cause had to counterpleade his iustice, in abridgyng the eternitye of the proude spirites paine.
1589. Warner, Alb. Eng., Prose Add. (1612), 338. Æneas … thankfully acknowledged her great bountie, counter-pleading to haue pretended a departure without leaue taken.
b. absol. To plead or argue one against the other.
c. 1611. Sylvester, Du Bartas, II. IV. iv. Wks. (1621), 500. There is a Tale, that once the Hoast of Birds … ambitiously did strive, And counter-plead for the Prerogative.
2. gen. To argue against (a person, statement, etc.); to oppose in argument; to contradict.
1377. Langl., P. Pl., B. XII. 100. Ne countreplede clerkes I conseille þe for eure.
c. 1385. Chaucer, L. G. W., Prol. 476. Lat be thyn arguynge For loue ne wele nat countyrpletyd be In ryght ne wrong.
absol. 1430. Lydg., Chron. Troy, Prol. Agayne the trouth who so euer striue Or counterplede or make any debate.
