De*fend"ant (aant), a. [F. défendant, p. pr. of défendre. See Defend.] 1. Serving, or suitable, for defense; defensive. [Obs.]

With men of courage and with means defendant.

2. Making defense.

De*fend"ant, n. 1. One who defends; a defender.

The rampiers and ditches which the defendants had cast up.

2. (Law) A person required to make answer in an action or suit; -- opposed to plaintiff. Abbott.

&fist; 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.

• (law) A person prosecuted under criminal law or sued under civil law.