{ } n. [ F. défense, OF. defense, fem., defens, masc., fr. L. defensa (cf. LL. defensum), from defendere. See Defend, and cf. Fence. ] 1. The act of defending, or the state of being defended; protection, as from violence or danger. [ 1913 Webster ]

In cases of defense 't is best to weigh
The enemy more mighty than he seems. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which defends or protects; anything employed to oppose attack, ward off violence or danger, or maintain security; a guard; a protection. [ 1913 Webster ]

War would arise in defense of the right. Tennyson. [ 1913 Webster ]

God, the widow's champion and defense. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Protecting plea; vindication; justification. [ 1913 Webster ]

Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defense. Acts xxii. 1. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Law) The defendant's answer or plea; an opposing or denial of the truth or validity of the plaintiff's or prosecutor's case; the method of proceeding adopted by the defendant to protect himself against the plaintiff's action. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. Act or skill in making defense; defensive plan or policy; practice in self defense, as in fencing, boxing, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

A man of great defense. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

By how much defense is better than no skill. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. Prohibition; a prohibitory ordinance. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Severe defenses . . . against wearing any linen under a certain breadth. Sir W. Temple. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. & v. t. See Defense. [ 1913 Webster ]

adj. same as defenseless; as, a defenceless child.
Syn. -- defenseless, helpless. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Defended; p. pr. & vb. n. Defending. ] [ F. défendre, L. defendere; de- + fendere (only in comp.) to strike; perh. akin to Gr. qei`nein to strike, and E. dint. Cf. Dint, Defense, Fend. ] 1. To ward or fend off; to drive back or away; to repel. [ A Latinism & Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Th' other strove for to defend
The force of Vulcan with his might and main. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To prohibit; to forbid. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

Which God defend that I should wring from him. Shak.

3. To repel danger or harm from; to protect; to secure against attack; to maintain against force or argument; to uphold; to guard; as, to defend a town; to defend a cause; to defend character; to defend the absent; -- sometimes followed by from or against; as, to defend one's self from, or against, one's enemies. [ 1913 Webster ]

The lord mayor craves aid . . . to defend the city. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

God defend the right! Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

A village near it was defended by the river. Clarendon. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Law.) To deny the right of the plaintiff in regard to (the suit, or the wrong charged); to oppose or resist, as a claim at law; to contest, as a suit. Burrill.

Syn. -- To Defend, Protect. To defend is literally to ward off; to protect is to cover so as to secure against approaching danger. We defend those who are attacked; we protect those who are liable to injury or invasion. A fortress is defended by its guns, and protected by its wall. [ 1913 Webster ]

As birds flying, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it. Is. xxxi. 5. [ 1913 Webster ]

Leave not the faithful side
That gave thee being, still shades thee and protects. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf. F. défendable. ] Capable of being defended; defensible. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. One who defends; a defender. [ 1913 Webster ]

The rampiers and ditches which the defendants had cast up. Spotswood. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Law) A person required to make answer in an action or suit; -- opposed to plaintiff. Abbott. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The term is applied to any party of whom a demand is made in court, whether the party denies and defends the claim, or admits it, and suffers a default; also to a party charged with a criminal offense. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ F. défendant, p. pr. of défendre. See Defend. ] 1. Serving, or suitable, for defense; defensive. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

With men of courage and with means defendant. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Making defense. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who is defended. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. Fender. ] One who defends; one who maintains, supports, protects, or vindicates; a champion; an advocate; a vindicator. [ 1913 Webster ]

Provinces . . . left without their ancient and puissant defenders. Motley. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A female defender. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Defendress of the faith. Stow. [ 1913 Webster ]