dēfenso, āvi, ātum, 1
* V. a. intens. [defendo]. *
* To fend off diligently, ward off: metus,Stat. S. 5, 2, 105.
* 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.

s. TLL