defendant Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a person or institution against whom an action is brought in a court of law; the person being sued or accused
suspect.

F. défendant, p. pr. of défendre. See Defend.

Serving, or suitable, for defense; defensive. Obs.
With men of courage and with means defendant. Shak.
Making defense.

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