defendant

Noun
Synonyms: suspect

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

  1. a person or institution against whom an action is brought in a court of law; the person being sued or accusedSynonyms: suspect
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Libellee \Li`bel*lee"\, n. (Law) (a) The party against whom a libel has been filed; -- corresponding to defendant in a common law action. (b) The defendant in an action of libel. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
Defendant \De*fend"ant\, n.

1.One who defends; a defender. [1913 Webster]

The rampiers and ditches which the defendants had cast up.— Spotswood.[1913 Webster]

2.(Law) A person required to make answer in an action or suit; -- opposed to plaintiff. --Abbott. [1913 Webster]

Note: The term is applied to any party of whom a demand is made in court, whether the party denies and defends the claim, or admits it, and suffers a default; also to a party charged with a criminal offense. [1913 Webster]

Defendant \De*fend"ant\ (d[-e]*f[e^]nd"ant), a. [F. d['e]fendant, p. pr. of d['e]fendre. See Defend.]

1.Serving, or suitable, for defense; defensive. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

With men of courage and with means defendant.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

2.Making defense. [1913 Webster]

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