WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : De*fend"ant
Part of Speech : a.
Etymology : [F. d?fendant, p. pr. of d?fendre. See Defend.]
Definition : 1. Serving, or suitable, for defense; defensive. [Obs.] With men of courage and with means defendant. Shak.

2. Making defense.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : De*fend"ant
Part of Speech : n.
Definition : 1. One who defends; a defender. The rampiers and ditches which the defendants had cast up. Spotswood.

2. (Law)

Defn: A person required to make answer in an action or suit; -- opposed to plaintiff. Abbott.

Note: 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.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913