Defendoure

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An archaic term for a person who defends, guards, or protects someone or something from harm or attack
2. Old-fashioned word for a protector who stands up for or shields another person from danger or wrong
3. A historical name for a champion or guardian who safeguards others and fights to keep them secure

Etymology: Middle English "defendour" (also spelled "defendoure") is an agent noun built from the verb "defend" plus the suffix "-our", the same ending seen in "savior" and "governor." It comes through Anglo-Norman and Old French "defendeor" from Latin "defensor," meaning one who defends, from "defendere," to ward off or protect. The word is a true Middle English borrowing from French, so its story is mostly one of spelling. Medieval scribes wrote it in many variants, and it was used in legal and religious contexts where a person spoke or fought on another's behalf. Over time the spelling settled toward "defender," which is the form still in use today.