De*fense", De*fence" (?), n. [F. d'efense, OF. defense, fem., defens, masc., fr. L. defensa (cf. Fence.]
1. The act of defending, or the state of being defended; protection, as from violence or danger.
In cases of defense 't is best to weigh
The enemy more mighty than he seems.
Shak.
2. That which defends or protects; anything employed to oppose attack, ward off violence or danger, or maintain security; a guard; a protection.
War would arise in defense of the right.
Tennyson.
God, the widow's champion and defense.
Shak.
3. Protecting plea; vindication; justification.
Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defense.
Acts xxii. 1.
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.
5. Act or skill in making defense; defensive plan or policy; practice in self defense, as in fencing, boxing, etc.
A man of great defense.
Spenser.
By how much defense is better than no skill.
Shak.
6. Prohibition; a prohibitory ordinance. [Obs.]
Severe defenses . . . against wearing any linen under a certain breadth.
Sir W. Temple.
© Webster 1913.
De*fense", v. t. To furnish with defenses; to fortify. [Obs.] [Written also defence.]
Better manned and more strongly defensed.
Hales.
© Webster 1913. | 
