Search the Dictionary

A contribution toward the building or repairing of castles or walls for the defense of a city or town.

bleman; a fortress. The house of every one is to him castle and fortress, as well for his defense againts injury and violence, as for his repose. Coke. Our castle's strength Will laugh a siege to scorn. Shak.

The guard or defense of a castle.

Pertaining to an advocate, or to the maintenance and defense of suits.

The prosecution or defense of a suit, whether by furnishing money or personal services, by one who has no legitimate concern therein, in consideration of an agreement that he shall receive, in the event of success, a share of the matter in suit; maintenance with the addition of an agreement to divide the thing in suit.…

The kiling of another in self-defense upon a sudden and unpremeditated encounter. See Chaud-Medley.

under the influence of passion, thus distinguished from chance- medley or killing in self-defense, or in a casual affray. Burrill.

fortified city, commanding the city and fortifications, and intended as a final point of defense. Syn. - Stronghold. See Fortress.

A form of defense in the action of replevin, by which the defendant insists that the goods were lawfully taken, as a distress, by defendant, acting as servant for another. [Eng.] Cowell. Mozley & W.

To plan; to devise; to arrange. A commander had more trouble to concert his defense before the people than to plan . . . the compaign. Burke.

Earnest struggle for superiority, victory, defense, etc.; competition; emulation; strife in arms; conflict; combat; encounter. The late battle had, in effect, been a contest between one usurper and another. Hallam. It was fully expected that the contest there would be long and fierce. Macaulay.

The act of attending for defense; the state of being so attended; protection; escort. To obtain the convoy of a man-of-war. Macaulay.

A place that covers and protects; a shelter; a defense. A tabernacle . . . for a covert from storm. Is. iv. 6. The highwayman has darted from his covered by the wayside. Prescott.

Observances of time, place, and of decency in general. Burke. Immodest words admit of no defense, For want of decency is want of sense. Roscommon.

See Defense.

Serving, or suitable, for defense; defensive. [Obs.] With men of courage and with means defendant. Shak.

Capable of offering defense. [Obs.] Shak.

Serving to defend or protect; proper for defense; opposed to offensive; as, defensive armor. A moat defensive to a house. Shak.

To deprive of a garrison, or of troops necessary for defense; as, to degarnish a city or fort. [R.] Washington.

he matter alleged by the opposite party, it is sufficient in law to sustain the action or defense, and hence whether the party resting is bound to answer or proceed further. Demurrer to evidence, an exception taken by a party to the evidence offered by the opposite party, and an objecting to proceed further, on the all…