a. Obs. [Shortened form of DEFENSIVE.] = DEFENSIVE.
1583. Stanyhurst, Æneis, II. (Arb.), 53.
| Yf that thee Troians hand stroaks could fortefye manful, | |
| This fiste, Greeks hacking, that fensiue seruice had eended. |
1595. Barnfield, Sonnet i.
| Piercing no skin (the bodies fensiue wall) | |
| And hauing leaue, and free consent withall. |
1602. Warner, Alb. Eng., 15. The Troyans … seeke to retire into their fensive towne.
1621. Quarles, Div. Poems, Esther (1717), 157.
| The Hills | |
| His fensive Bulwarks are. |
