Defendant /(dē̇*fĕnd"ant)/

De·fend·ant

Defendant

a.
  1. Serving, or suitable, for defense; defensive. [Obs.]
    With men of courage and with means defendant.
  2. Making defense.

Defendant

n.
  1. One who defends; a defender.
    The rampiers and ditches which the defendants had cast up.
    — Spotswood.
  2. A person required to make answer in an action or suit; -- opposed to plaintiff. (Law)