De-fōrce′, v. t.

v. t. [imp. & p. p. DEFORCED (de-fōrst′); p. pr. & vb. n. DEFORCING.] [O. Fr. deforcer, de-forcier, from de and forcer, forcier. See FORCE, v. t.] (Law.) (a.) To keep from the lawful possession of the owner; to withhold wrongfully the possession of, as of lands or a freehold. (b.) (Scots Law.) To resist the execution of the law; to oppose by force, as an officer in the execution of his duty. Burrill.