Equitable defense
Black's Law Dictionary · Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
Black's Law Dictionary
In English practice, a defense to an action on grounds which, prior to the passage of the common-law procedure act, (17 & 18 Viet c. 125,) would have been cognizable only in a court of equity. In American practice, a defense which is cognizable in a court of equity, but which is available there only, and not in an action at law, except under the reformed codes of practice.
Kelly v. Hurt. 74 Mo. 570; New York v. Hnizderber, 44 Misc. Ren. 509, 90 N. Y. Supp. 63.