An archaic legal term meaning to prosecute or bring legal action against someone.
From Old French emplaider, from em- (in) + plaider (to plead or dispute). The term emerged in medieval English legal documents when disputes were formalized in court.
This forgotten legal word reminds us that 'pleading' your case in court literally meant you were being 'placed into' the formal legal system—the em- prefix made it an action something was done to you, not just by you.
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