Se defendendo
Defined in 3 dictionaries — Ballentine's (1916), Black's (1910), Bouvier (1839)
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
In self-defense.
Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
Lat. In defending himself; in self-defense. Homicide committed se defendendo is excusable.
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
John Bouvier · 1839
crimtnal law, defending himself. Homicide, se defendendo, is that which takes place upon a sudden recounter, where two persons upon a sudden quarrel, without premeditation or malice, fight upon equal terms, and one, before a mortal stroke, has been given, declines any further combat, and retreats as far as he can with safety, and kills his adversary, through necessity, to avoid immediate death. 2 Swift's Dig. 289; Pamph. Rep. of Selfridge’s Trial in 1806; Hawk. bk. 1, c. L1, s. 18; 1 Russ. on Cr. 543; 3 Bac. Ab. 139.