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Comes and Defends

Defined in 3 dictionaries — Black's (1910), Black's (1891), Burrill (1850)

Black's Law Dictionary

Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910

This phrase, anciently used in the language of pleading, and still surviving in some jurisdictions, occurs at the commencement of a defendant's plea or demurrer; and of its two verbs the former signifies that he appears in court, the latter that he defends the action.

A Dictionary of Law

Henry Campbell Black · 1891

This phrase, anciently used in the language of pleading, and still surviving in some jurisdictions, occurs at the commencement of a defendant’s plea or demurrer; and of its two verbs the former signifies that he appears in court, the latter that he defends the action.

A New Law Dictionary and Glossary

Alexander M. Burrill · 1850

[L. Lat. venit et defendit.] A phrase of great antiquity in pleading, and hitherto always used at the commencement of a defendant's pleas and demurrers to the declaration; the word "comes" very appropriately and significantly expressing his appearance, and "defends" his defence. "And the said defendant comes and defends the wrong and injury, when &c., and says that," &c. Steph. Pl. 62, 67, 71. (Am. ed. 1824.) 1 Burr. Pr. 163. In the recent revision of the forms of pleadings in England, this clause has been omitted.