But he was speaking defensively and he knew it.

Meg had called to see how he was getting on and had been startled by what Simon, speaking defensively, had told her.

Immediately following this, the spirit of a child spoke defensively as if protecting a mother.

He had become agitated at the hint of distrust, and he spoke defensively.

Defensively speaking, at his prime was one of the better players in the Turkish league, but highly unpredictable.

Joao spoke defensively: "Out in the Red you see things, father.

She spoke defensively, before she could stop herself.

"I don't know what we should have done without him," she spoke defensively.

Jenny spoke defensively with a curious lack of vitality: "I made it myself in Johnson's kitchen."

Quark spoke defensively, which caused him to wonder why he felt so defensive.