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The act of defending one's own person, property, or reputation. In self-defense (Law), in protection of self, -- it being permitted in law to a party on whom a grave wrong is attempted to resist the wrong, even at the peril of the life of the assailiant. Wharton.

Defending, or tending to defend, one's own person, property, or reputation.

The denial of one's self; forbearing to gratify one's own desires; self-sacrifice.

Devoted in person, or by one's own will. Hawthorne.

devoting one's self, or the state of being self- devoted; willingness to sacrifice one's own advantage or happiness for the sake of others; self-sacrifice.

Educated by one's own efforts, without instruction, or without pecuniary assistance from others.

Having the right of electing one's self, or, as a body, of electing its own members.

An examination into one's own state, conduct, and motives, particularly in regard to religious feelings and duties.

Inherent existence; existence possessed by virtue of a being's own nature, and independent of any other being or cause; -- an attribute peculiar to God. Blackmore.

Ignorance of one's own character, powers, and limitations.

Imparting by one's own, or by its own, powers and will. Norris.

An exaggerated estimate of one's own importance or merit, esp. as manifested by the conduct or manners; self-conceit.

Having or manifesting an exaggerated idea of one's own importance or merit.

Indignation at one's own character or actions. Baxter.

Particularly concerned for one's own interest or happiness.

Caring supremely or unduly for one's self; regarding one's own comfort, advantage, etc., in disregard, or at the expense, of those of others. They judge of things according to their own private appetites and selfish passions. Cudworth. In that throng of selfish hearts untrue. Keble.

The quality or state of being selfish; exclusive regard to one's own interest or happiness; that supreme self-love or self- preference which leads a person to direct his purposes to the advancement of his own interest, power, or happiness, without regarding those of others. Selfishness,- a vice utterly at variance with…

Knowing one's self, or one's own character, powers, and limitations.

Knowledge of one's self, or of one's own character, powers, limitations, etc.

Life for one's self; living solely or chiefly for one's own pleasure or good.