də̇ˈfendə(r), dēˈ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English defendour, defender, from Old French defendeor, from defendre + -eor -or
1. : one that defends : protector , advocate , champion , vindicator , upholder
2. Scots law
a. : a party defendant in a legal proceeding — opposed to pursuer
b. : the lawyer acting for a party defendant in a legal proceeding