In practice. Defalcation or discount from a demand. A keeping back something which is due, because there is au equitable reason to withhold it. Torn- lins. Recoupment Is a right of the defendant to have a deduction from the amount of the plaintiff’s damages, for the reason that the plaintiff has not complied with the cross- obli- gations or independent covenants arising under the same contract Code Ga. 1882,