means of defence

as he was destitute of any other means of defence, his safety now depended entirely on bodily strength and resolution.

由于手中已没有任何可供自卫的武器，他只好完全依仗自己的体力和决心了。2.At first glance it may look like a fearsome snake but this rearing creature is actually a small caterpillar with a cunning means of defence.第一眼看上去可能会以为它是可怕的蛇，但实际上这种生物是由一只小毛毛虫伪装而成的。

most nations look to the army as the chief means of defence.

多数国家把军队作为国防支柱。

the prisoner had listened to them, with that astounded face which was, according to the accusation, his principal means of defence;

至于被告，他听他们说着，面上露出惊讶的样子，照控诉词上说，这是他主要的自卫方法。