a. [ F. défendant, p. pr. of défendre. See Defend. ]
With men of courage and with means defendant. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
n.
The rampiers and ditches which the defendants had cast up. Spotswood. [ 1913 Webster ]
☞ The term is applied to any party of whom a demand is made in court, whether the party denies and defends the claim, or admits it, and suffers a default; also to a party charged with a criminal offense. [ 1913 Webster ]