I.v. a. intens. [defendo]. *
I. To fend off diligently, ward off: “metus,” Stat. S. 5, 2, 105.—
II. To defend diligently, protect (rare; mostly ante-class. and poet., not in Cic. or Caes.): “moenia,” Plaut. Rud. 3, 3, 30; Sall. J. 26, 1; 60, 3: “alios ab hostibus,” id. ib. 97: “humeros,” Ov. M. 12, 376: “se ipsa moenia,” Liv. 26, 45 (al. defendebant): “se injuria,” Plaut. Bacch. 3, 3, 39.—Absol.: “dum defensamus (sc. armentum),” Ov. M. 11, 374.