%defence%

{ } 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 ]

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