Op*po"nent (?), a. [L. opponens,
-entis, p. pr. of opponere to set or place against, to
oppose; ob (see Ob-) + ponere to place. See
Position.] Situated in front; opposite; hence, opposing;
adverse; antagonistic. Pope.
Op*po"nent, n. 1.
One who opposes; an adversary; an antagonist; a foe.
Macaulay.
2. One who opposes in a disputation,
argument, or other verbal controversy; specifically, one who attacks
some theirs or proposition, in distinction from the
respondent, or defendant, who maintains it.
How becomingly does Philopolis exercise his office,
and seasonably commit the opponent with the respondent, like a
long-practiced moderator!
Dr. H. More.
Syn. -- Antagonist; opposer; foe. See Adversary.
