Pass the plate

[drdeng]

I found in John Grisham's novel The Runaway Jury the following dialogue:

"What do you want to do?"
"I can think of a lot of things. We could charter a big boat, go for a ride in the Gulf, fish if we want to."
"I can't ask the taxpayers of this county to pay for that, Mr. Easter."
"I thought we were taxpayers."
"The answer is no. I'm sorry."
"Forget the taxpayers. I'm sure these lawyers here wouldn't mind passing the plate. Look, ask each side to put up a thousand dollars. We can charter a huge boat and have a wonderful time."

Can anybody tell me what "pass the plate" means? Thanks.

[heathfield]

It means to ask for a donation, just as in church the collection plate or bag is passed amonst the congregation.