Plead in example sentence
'I trust, ma'am,' resumed Mr. Pickwick, gathering up his shoes, and turning round to bow again--'I trust, ma'am, that my unblemished character, and the devoted respect I entertain for your sex, will plead as some slight excuse for this--' But before Mr. Pickwick could conclude the sentence, the lady had thrust him into the passage, and locked and bolted the door behind him.