GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   { Defense, Defence } , n. [F. défense, OF. defense, fem., defens, masc., fr. L. defensa (cf. LL. defensum), from defendere. See Defend, and cf. Fence.]
   The act of defending, or the state of being defended; protection, as from violence or danger.
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   In cases of defense 't is best to weigh
   The enemy more mighty than he seems.
   Shak.
   
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   That which defends or protects; anything employed to oppose attack, ward off violence or danger, or maintain security; a guard; a protection.
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   War would arise in defense of the right.
   Tennyson.
   
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   God, the widow's champion and defense.
   Shak.
   
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   Protecting plea; vindication; justification.
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   Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defense.
   Acts xxii. 1.
   
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   (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.
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   Act or skill in making defense; defensive plan or policy; practice in self defense, as in fencing, boxing, etc.
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   A man of great defense.
   Spenser.
   
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   By how much defense is better than no skill.
   Shak.
   
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   Prohibition; a prohibitory ordinance. [Obs.]
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   Severe defenses . . . against wearing any linen under a certain breadth.
   Sir W. Temple.
   
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2.       
   Defense, v. t. To furnish with defenses; to fortify. [Obs.] [Written also defence.]
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   Better manned and more strongly defensed.
   Hales.
   
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