dēfenso

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.