defenso

/dafensow/ In old England, that part of any open field or place that was allotted for corn or hay, and upon which there was no common or feeding, was anciently said to be in defense; so of any meadow ground that was laid in for hay only. The same term was applied to a wood where part was inclosed or fenced, to secure the growth of the underwood from the injury of cattle.

Canon law.

The advocate or patron of a church. An officer who had charge of the temporalities of the church.

Civil law.

A defender; one who assumed the defense of another's case in court.

Also an advocate. A tutor or curator.

Old English law.

A guardian, defender, or protector. The defendant in an action. A person vouched in to warranty