Answer

Response, reply; defense. Compare Responderb.

1.

In the sense of a response to a written or oral communication, see Letter, %; Silence.

3.

A statement made in response to a question or interrogation propounded to a suitor, witness, or garnishee, in the course of a judicial inquiry.

See further Question, 1. 3.

The formal written statement made by a defendant — to charges in a bill in equity, to a libel in admiralty or in divorce. An answer is the most usual defense made to a bill inequity. It is given in upon oath; but where thei-e are amicable defendants their answer may be taken without oath by consent of the plaintiff.

This method 10 id. 34 (1848); Lackawanna Iron, &c. Co.'s Case, 87