implead

verb

im·​plead im-ˈplēd 

impleaded; impleading; impleads

transitive verb

: to sue or prosecute at law

Word History

Etymology

Middle English empleden, from Anglo-French empleder, from en- + pleder to plead

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

implead

transitive verb

im·​plead im-ˈplēd 

: to bring into a lawsuit

specifically : to bring (a third party who is or may be liable to the plaintiff or defendant) into a suit compare interplead, intervene, join

Etymology

Anglo-French empleder, from Old French emplaidier, from en- thoroughly + plaidier to plead