Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for DE-FENS'IVE
DE-FENS'IVE, a. [Fr. defensif.]
- That serves to defend; proper for defense; as, defensive armor, which repels attacks or blows, opposed to offensive arms, which are used in attack.
- Carried on in resisting attack or aggression; as, defensive war, in distinction from offensive war, which is aggressive.
- In a state or posture to defend. – Milton.
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