plaidoyer

English

Etymology

Borrowed from French plaidoyer.

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /pleɪdwaˈjeɪ/

Noun

plaidoyer (plural plaidoyers)

  1. (chiefly law) An act of pleading; a plea.
    • 2010, Guy Deutscher, Through the Language Glass, Arrow, published 2011, page 7:
      In this plaidoyer for culture, I will argue that cultural differences are reflected in language in profound ways []

French

Etymology

Noun use of the Old French verb infinitive plaidoiier, plaidiier. See plaider (to plead).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /plɛ.dwa.je/ ~ /ple.dwa.je/
  • Audio:(file)

Noun

plaidoyer m (plural plaidoyers)

  1. (law) speech for the defence
    Synonyms: plaiderie, plaidoirie
  2. (figuratively) plea

Descendants

  • English: plaidoyer
  • Dutch: pleidooi
  • German: Plädoyer

Further reading

Norman

Etymology

From Old French plaidoiier, plaidiier.

Noun

plaidoyer m (plural plaidoyers)

  1. (Jersey, law) pleading