Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Defendant
1.
Serving, or suitable, for defense; defensive.
[Obs.]
With men of courage and with means
defendant
. Shakespeare
2.
Making defense.
De-fend′ant
,Noun.
1.
One who defends; a defender.
The rampiers and ditches which the
defendants
had cast up. Spotswood.
2.
(Law)
A person required to make answer in an action or suit; – opposed to plaintiff.
Abbott.
☞ 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.
Webster 1828 Edition
Defendant
DEFENDANT
,Adj.
1.
Defensive; proper for defense.2.
Making defense; being in the character of a defendant.DEFENDANT
,Noun.
1.
He that defends against an assailant, or against the approach of evil or danger.2.
In law, the party that opposes a complaint, demand or charge; he that is summoned into court, and defends, denies or opposes the demand or charge, and maintains his own right. It is applied to any party of whom a demand is made in court, whether the party denies and defends, or admits the claim and suffers a default.