(n.) The act of defending, or the state of being defended; protection, as from violence or danger.
(n.) That which defends or protects; anything employed to oppose attack, ward off violence or danger, or maintain security; a guard; a protection.
(n.) Protecting plea; vindication; justification.
(n.) The defendant's answer or plea; an opposing or denial of the truth or validity of the plaintiff's or prosecutor's case; the method of proceeding adopted by the defendant to protect himself against the plaintiff's action.
(n.) Act or skill in making defense; defensive plan or policy; practice in self defense, as in fencing, boxing, etc.