Defender, advocate, pleader, a debender exerts himself in favour of one that wants support; and advocate signifies one who is called to speak in favour of another; a pleader from plea or excuse, signifies him who pleads in behalf of one who is accused or a party in a civil suit. A defender attempts to keep off a threatened injury by rebutting the attack of another; an advocate states that which is to the advantage of the person or thing advocated; a pleader throws in pleas and extenuations. 'So fair a pleader any cause may gain'. (Dry den)
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