Defn: One who defends; one who maintains, supports, protects, or
vindicates; a champion; an advocate; a vindicator.
Provinces . . . left without their ancient and puissant defenders.
Motley.
DEFENDRESS
De*fend"ress, n.
Defn: A female defender. [R.]
Defendress of the faith. Stow.
DEFENSATIVE De*fen"sa*tive, n. Etym: [L. defensare, defensatum, to defend diligently, intens. of defendere. See Defend.]
Defn: That which serves to protect or defend.
DEFENSE; DEFENCE De*fense", De*fence", n. Etym: [F. défense, 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)