To Defend
Defined in 1 dictionary — Bouvier (1839)
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
John Bouvier · 1839
To forbid. This word is used in some old English statute in the sense it has in French, namely, to forbid. 65 Ric. 2, c. 7. train on the highway.” Co. Litt. 160 b, 161 a. In pleading, to defend is to deny, and the effect of the word <‘ defends,” is that the defendant denies the right of the plaintiff, or the force and wrong charged. Steph. Ph 432.