Definify.com

Definition 2024


special_pleading

special pleading

English

Noun

special pleading (plural special pleadings)

  1. Arguing that a particular case is an exception to a generally accepted rule, without justification or without a relevant basis.
    • 1997 September 30, The Court-Martial of Sandra Gilbert (JAG), season 3, episode 2:
      Lt. Gilbert deserves a full and fair hearing just like everyone else, no matter how the chips fall, no special pleading, and no playing the gender card.

Synonyms

  • stacking the deck

See also