Defence

n. See DEFENSE.

v. t. [See DEFENSE.] To defend; to protect. [Obs.] “Better manned and more strongly defenced.” Hales.

n. [Fr. défense, Pr., Sp., & Pg. defensa, It. difensa, Lat. defensa, from defendere. See DEFEND.] 1. The act of defending, or the state of being defended; prohibition; opposition; protection. Severe defenses . . . against wearing any linen under a certain breadth. Temple. In causes of defense 'tis best to weigh The enemy more weighty than he seems. Shak. 2. Art or skill in making defense; defensive plan or policy; practice in the method of self-protection. “A man of great defense.” Spenser. By how much defense is better than no skill. Shak. 3. That which defends or protects; any thing employed to oppose attack, ward off violence or danger, or maintain security; guard; protection; vindication; apology; protecting plea. “Cities of defense in Judah.” 2 Chron. ii. 5. “Heaven, the widow’s champion and defense.” Shak. Men, brethren, 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 case; the method of proceeding adopted by the defendant to protect himself against the plaintiff’s action.