Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Defendant \De*fend"ant\, a. [F. d['e]fendant, p. pr. of
   d['e]fendre. See {Defend}.]
   1. Serving, or suitable, for defense; defensive. [Obs.]

            With men of courage and with means defendant.
                                                  --Shak.

   2. Making defense.

Defendant \De*fend"ant\, n.
   1. One who defends; a defender.

            The rampiers and ditches which the defendants had
            cast up.                              --Spotswood.

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

   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.

Source : WordNet®

defendant
     n : a person or institution against whom an action is brought in
         a court of law; the person being sued or accused [syn: {suspect}]
         [ant: {plaintiff}]