Hypertext Webster Gateway: "defendant"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Defendant \De*fend"ant\, a. [F. d['e]fendant, p. pr. of
d['e]fendre. See {Defend}.]
1. Serving, or suitable, for defense; defensive. [Obs.]
With men of courage and with means defendant.
--Shak.
2. Making defense.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Defendant \De*fend"ant\, n.
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.
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.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
defendant
n : a person or institution against whom an action is brought in
a court of law; the person being sued or accused [syn: {suspect}]
[ant: {plaintiff}]
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