Op*po"nent (?), a. [L. opponens, -entis, p.pr. of opponere to set or place against, to oppose; ob (see Ob-) + ponere to place. See Position.]
Situated in front; opposite; hence, opposing; adverse; antagonistic.
Pope.
© Webster 1913.
Op*po"nent, n.
1.
One who opposes; an adversary; an antagonist; a foe.
Macaulay.
2.
One who opposes in a disputation, argument, or other verbal controversy; specifically, one who attacks some theirs or proposition, in distinction from the respondent, or defendant, who maintains it.
How becomingly does Philopolis exercise his office, and seasonably commit the opponent with the respondent, like a long-practiced moderator!
Dr. H. More.
Syn. -- Antagonist; opposer; foe. See Adversary.
© Webster 1913.