Dictionary entry

Defeat (2)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

De‐feat″, n. [Cf. F. défaite, fr. défaire. See Defeat, v.] 1. An undoing or annulling; destruction.

Upon whose property and most dear life

A damned defeat was made. Shak.

2. Frustration by rendering null and void, or by prevention of success; as, the defeat of a plan or design.

3. An overthrow, as of an army in battle; loss of a battle; repulse suffered; discomfiture; — opposed to victory.