- Defence
- Defense De*fense", Defence De*fence", n. [F. d['e]fense, 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]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
