When you say 'defence' are you speaking French?

'Defence' is a word borrowed from French 'defens'.

defence [(unknown)] [(unknown)]

(not available)

See 'defence' on the Loan Words Map

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note: Middle English from Old French defens from late Latin defensum (neuter) defensa (feminine) - past participles of defendere ‘defend’.
Etymology: -

See more loan words from (unknown date).