Duress is a personal defense for payment against holders in due course.

Duress

An action by one party that forces another party to do what need not be done otherwise.

Personal Defense

In negotiable-instruments law, a defense that can be used against a holder but not against a holder in due course of a negotiable instrument. Also called limited defense.

Payment

The transfer of money or goods from one person or entity to another in exchange for goods, services, or to fulfill a legal obligation.