A pleading, a plea; specifically †an advocate's speech (obsolete).
Origin
Mid 17th century. From French plaidoyer speech of defence in court, use as noun of Middle French plaidoyer, plaidoiier to plead, to argue one's case in court, variant of plaidier.
Definition of plaidoyer in US English:
plaidoyer
nounˌpleɪdwaˈjeɪ
Law
A pleading, a plea; specifically †an advocate's speech (obsolete).
Origin
Mid 17th century. From French plaidoyer speech of defence in court, use as noun of Middle French plaidoyer, plaidoiier to plead, to argue one's case in court, variant of plaidier.