|
(dfnd"), v. t.[imp. & p. p.Defended; p. pr. & vb. n.Defending.] [F. dfendre, L. defendere; de- + fendere (only in comp.) to strike; perh. akin to Gr. qei°nein to strike, and E. dint. Cf. Dint, Defense, Fend.] 1. To ward or fend off; to drive back or away; to repel. [A Latinism & Obs.] Th' other strove for to defend The force of Vulcan with his might and main. Spenser. 2. To prohibit; to forbid. [Obs.] Chaucer. Which God defend that I should wring from him. Shak. 3. To repel danger or harm from; to protect; to secure against attack; to maintain against force or argument; to uphold; to guard; as, to defend a town; to defend a cause; to defend character; to defend the absent; -- sometimes followed by from or against; as, to defend one's self from, or against, one's enemies. The lord mayor craves aid . . . to defend the city. Shak. God defend the right! Shak. A village near it was defended by the river. Clarendon. 4. (Law) To deny the right of the p スポンサード リンク
|