interplead

verb

in·​ter·​plead ˌin-tər-ˈplēd 

interpleaded or interpled also interplead; interpleading; interpleads

intransitive verb

: to go to trial with each other in order to determine a right on which the action of a third party depends

Word History

Etymology

Anglo-French enterpleder, from enter- inter- + pleder, plaider to plead — more at plead

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

interplead

verb

in·​ter·​plead ˌin-tər-ˈplēd 

transitive verb

: to bring (adverse claimants) into court by interpleader

the defendants can interplead injured stock purchasers if they fear the latter may have a superior claim…to the agents' illicit profits

—R. C. Clark

compare implead, intervene

intransitive verb

: to go to trial with each other in order to settle adverse claims to property held by or an obligation owed by a third party (as an insurance company)

may be joined as defendants and required to interplead when their claims are such that the plaintiff is or may be exposed to double or multiple liability

—Official Code of Georgia Annotated

Etymology

Anglo-French enterpleder, from enter- between, among + pleder to plead, from Old French plaidier