Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Self-defense
Selfˊ-de-fense′
,Noun.
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.
Webster 1828 Edition
Self-defense
SELF-DEFENSE
,Noun.