<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?>
<!-- Created by Merrill Corporation -->
<!-- Generated by Fujitsu Interstage XWand B0189 -->
<!--Generated by IRIS XBRL Generation Engine-->
<link:linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#DisclosureSubsequentEventsDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTaxesDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureEquityFundingDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#DisclosureEquityFundingDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#DisclosureNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#DisclosureEarningsPerShareDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#DisclosureFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails2" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#DisclosureFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureStatutoryAccountingDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#DisclosureStatutoryAccountingDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentsAvailableForSaleDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#DisclosureInvestmentsAvailableForSaleDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentsAvailableForSaleDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#DisclosureInvestmentsAvailableForSaleDetails2" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentsAvailableForSaleDetails3" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#DisclosureInvestmentsAvailableForSaleDetails3" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentsAvailableForSaleDetails4" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#DisclosureInvestmentsAvailableForSaleDetails4" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureEarningsLossPerShareDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#DisclosureEarningsLossPerShareDetails2" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/IncomeStatementAndComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#IncomeStatementAndComprehensiveIncomeLoss" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/BalanceSheet" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#BalanceSheet" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/StatementOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#StatementOfStockholdersEquity" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/StatementOfStockholdersEquityParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#StatementOfStockholdersEquityParenthetical" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:label="SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:title="SubsequentEventLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:label="SubsequentEventTable" xlink:title="SubsequentEventTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="SubsequentEventTable" xlink:title="definition: SubsequentEventLineItems to SubsequentEventTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:title="SubsequentEventTypeAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: SubsequentEventTable to SubsequentEventTypeAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:title="SubsequentEventTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: SubsequentEventTypeAxis to SubsequentEventTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="SubsequentEventTypeDomain_2" xlink:title="SubsequentEventTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="SubsequentEventTypeDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: SubsequentEventTypeAxis to SubsequentEventTypeDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="SubsequentEventMember" xlink:title="SubsequentEventMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:to="SubsequentEventMember" xlink:title="definition: SubsequentEventTypeDomain to SubsequentEventMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="LegalEntityAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="definition: SubsequentEventTable to LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="EntityDomain" xlink:title="EntityDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="EntityDomain" xlink:title="definition: LegalEntityAxis to EntityDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_EssentReinsuranceLtdMember" xlink:label="EssentReinsuranceLtdMember" xlink:title="EssentReinsuranceLtdMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EntityDomain" xlink:to="EssentReinsuranceLtdMember" xlink:title="definition: EntityDomain to EssentReinsuranceLtdMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_EssentGuarantyIncMember" xlink:label="EssentGuarantyIncMember" xlink:title="EssentGuarantyIncMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EntityDomain" xlink:to="EssentGuarantyIncMember" xlink:title="definition: EntityDomain to EssentGuarantyIncMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="RangeAxis" xlink:title="RangeAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="RangeAxis" xlink:title="definition: SubsequentEventTable to RangeAxis" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember" xlink:title="RangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember_2" xlink:title="RangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember_2" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="MaximumMember" xlink:title="MaximumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MaximumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MaximumMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:label="TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:title="TypeOfArrangementAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:title="definition: SubsequentEventTable to TypeOfArrangementAxis" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:label="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:title="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:title="definition: TypeOfArrangementAxis to ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:label="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_2" xlink:title="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_2" xlink:title="definition: TypeOfArrangementAxis to ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_FreddieMacAgencyCreditInsuranceStructureInsurancePolicyMember" xlink:label="FreddieMacAgencyCreditInsuranceStructureInsurancePolicyMember" xlink:title="FreddieMacAgencyCreditInsuranceStructureInsurancePolicyMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="FreddieMacAgencyCreditInsuranceStructureInsurancePolicyMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to FreddieMacAgencyCreditInsuranceStructureInsurancePolicyMember" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_FannieMaePoolOfLoansInsuranceMember" xlink:label="FannieMaePoolOfLoansInsuranceMember" xlink:title="FannieMaePoolOfLoansInsuranceMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="FannieMaePoolOfLoansInsuranceMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to FannieMaePoolOfLoansInsuranceMember" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_InsuranceCoverageForSinglePoolOfLoans" xlink:label="InsuranceCoverageForSinglePoolOfLoans" xlink:title="InsuranceCoverageForSinglePoolOfLoans" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="InsuranceCoverageForSinglePoolOfLoans" xlink:title="definition: SubsequentEventLineItems to InsuranceCoverageForSinglePoolOfLoans" order="1.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="RangeAxis" xlink:title="RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember" xlink:title="RangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember" xlink:label="WeightedAverageMember" xlink:title="WeightedAverageMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="WeightedAverageMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to WeightedAverageMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:label="IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:title="IncomeTaxesLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_IncomeTaxesTable" xlink:label="IncomeTaxesTable" xlink:title="IncomeTaxesTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="IncomeTaxesTable" xlink:title="definition: IncomeTaxesLineItems to IncomeTaxesTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:title="StatementGeographicalAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="IncomeTaxesTable" xlink:to="StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:title="definition: IncomeTaxesTable to StatementGeographicalAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:title="SegmentGeographicalDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementGeographicalAxis to SegmentGeographicalDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="SegmentGeographicalDomain_2" xlink:title="SegmentGeographicalDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="SegmentGeographicalDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: StatementGeographicalAxis to SegmentGeographicalDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2013/country-2013-01-31.xsd#country_US" xlink:label="US" xlink:title="US" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="US" xlink:title="definition: SegmentGeographicalDomain to US" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2013/country-2013-01-31.xsd#country_BM" xlink:label="BM" xlink:title="BM" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="BM" xlink:title="definition: SegmentGeographicalDomain to BM" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="IncomeTaxesTable" xlink:to="RangeAxis" xlink:title="definition: IncomeTaxesTable to RangeAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:title="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:title="definition: IncomeTaxesLineItems to EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:title="ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: IncomeTaxesLineItems to ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="definition: ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract to CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="definition: ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract to DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="definition: ComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract to IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract" xlink:label="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract" xlink:title="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract" xlink:title="definition: IncomeTaxesLineItems to IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRate" xlink:title="IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRate" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRate" xlink:title="definition: IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract to IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRate" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_IncomeTaxReconciliationAtWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateNondeductibleExpense" xlink:label="IncomeTaxReconciliationAtWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateNondeductibleExpense" xlink:title="IncomeTaxReconciliationAtWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateNondeductibleExpense" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="IncomeTaxReconciliationAtWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateNondeductibleExpense" xlink:title="definition: IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract to IncomeTaxReconciliationAtWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateNondeductibleExpense" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_IncomeTaxReconciliationAtWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateTaxExemptIncome" xlink:label="IncomeTaxReconciliationAtWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateTaxExemptIncome" xlink:title="IncomeTaxReconciliationAtWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateTaxExemptIncome" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="IncomeTaxReconciliationAtWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateTaxExemptIncome" xlink:title="definition: IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract to IncomeTaxReconciliationAtWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateTaxExemptIncome" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_IncomeTaxReconciliationAtWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateValuationAllowance" xlink:label="IncomeTaxReconciliationAtWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateValuationAllowance" xlink:title="IncomeTaxReconciliationAtWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateValuationAllowance" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="IncomeTaxReconciliationAtWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateValuationAllowance" xlink:title="definition: IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract to IncomeTaxReconciliationAtWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateValuationAllowance" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_IncomeTaxReconciliationAtEstimatedWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateAndActualWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateDifference" xlink:label="IncomeTaxReconciliationAtEstimatedWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateAndActualWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateDifference" xlink:title="IncomeTaxReconciliationAtEstimatedWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateAndActualWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateDifference" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="IncomeTaxReconciliationAtEstimatedWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateAndActualWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateDifference" xlink:title="definition: IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract to IncomeTaxReconciliationAtEstimatedWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateAndActualWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateDifference" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_IncomeTaxReconciliationAtWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateOtherAdjustments" xlink:label="IncomeTaxReconciliationAtWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateOtherAdjustments" xlink:title="IncomeTaxReconciliationAtWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateOtherAdjustments" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="IncomeTaxReconciliationAtWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateOtherAdjustments" xlink:title="definition: IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract to IncomeTaxReconciliationAtWeightedAverageIncomeTaxRateOtherAdjustments" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" xlink:label="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" xlink:title="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" xlink:title="definition: IncomeTaxesLineItems to EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:title="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:title="definition: EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract to EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateNondeductibleExpense" xlink:label="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateNondeductibleExpense" xlink:title="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateNondeductibleExpense" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateNondeductibleExpense" xlink:title="definition: EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract to EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateNondeductibleExpense" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateTaxExemptIncome" xlink:label="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateTaxExemptIncome" xlink:title="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateTaxExemptIncome" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateTaxExemptIncome" xlink:title="definition: EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract to EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateTaxExemptIncome" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:title="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:title="definition: EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract to EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationEstimatedWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateAndActualWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateDifference" xlink:label="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationEstimatedWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateAndActualWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateDifference" xlink:title="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationEstimatedWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateAndActualWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateDifference" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationEstimatedWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateAndActualWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateDifference" xlink:title="definition: EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract to EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationEstimatedWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateAndActualWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateDifference" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateOtherAdjustments" xlink:label="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateOtherAdjustments" xlink:title="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateOtherAdjustments" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateOtherAdjustments" xlink:title="definition: EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract to EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationWeightedAverageStatutoryIncomeTaxRateOtherAdjustments" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:label="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:title="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:title="definition: EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract to EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" use="optional" order="7.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureEquityFundingDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:label="TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:title="TypeOfArrangementAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:label="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:title="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:title="definition: TypeOfArrangementAxis to ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_EquityFundingArrangementMacquarieCapitalServicesInitialClosingShareholdersMember" xlink:label="EquityFundingArrangementMacquarieCapitalServicesInitialClosingShareholdersMember" xlink:title="EquityFundingArrangementMacquarieCapitalServicesInitialClosingShareholdersMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="EquityFundingArrangementMacquarieCapitalServicesInitialClosingShareholdersMember" xlink:title="definition: ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember to EquityFundingArrangementMacquarieCapitalServicesInitialClosingShareholdersMember" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:title="ClassOfStockLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfStockByClassTable to RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionAxis to RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_ShareholdersAgreementClassACommonShareSubscriptionAgreementAndRelatedLegalDocumentsAsAmendedMember" xlink:label="ShareholdersAgreementClassACommonShareSubscriptionAgreementAndRelatedLegalDocumentsAsAmendedMember" xlink:title="ShareholdersAgreementClassACommonShareSubscriptionAgreementAndRelatedLegalDocumentsAsAmendedMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:to="ShareholdersAgreementClassACommonShareSubscriptionAgreementAndRelatedLegalDocumentsAsAmendedMember" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionDomain to ShareholdersAgreementClassACommonShareSubscriptionAgreementAndRelatedLegalDocumentsAsAmendedMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfStockByClassTable to RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:title="RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis to RelatedPartyDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="RelatedPartyDomain_2" xlink:title="RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="RelatedPartyDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis to RelatedPartyDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestorMember" xlink:label="InvestorMember" xlink:title="InvestorMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="InvestorMember" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyDomain to InvestorMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfStockByClassTable to TypeOfArrangementAxis" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfStockByClassTable to StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementClassOfStockAxis to ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="CommonClassAMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassAMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesIssued" xlink:label="SharesIssued" xlink:title="SharesIssued" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="SharesIssued" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to SharesIssued" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_EquityFundingArrangementFeePercentage" xlink:label="EquityFundingArrangementFeePercentage" xlink:title="EquityFundingArrangementFeePercentage" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="EquityFundingArrangementFeePercentage" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to EquityFundingArrangementFeePercentage" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_EquityFundingArrangementMaximumPotentialConsideration" xlink:label="EquityFundingArrangementMaximumPotentialConsideration" xlink:title="EquityFundingArrangementMaximumPotentialConsideration" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="EquityFundingArrangementMaximumPotentialConsideration" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to EquityFundingArrangementMaximumPotentialConsideration" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_EquityFundingArrangementTotalFeeEarned" xlink:label="EquityFundingArrangementTotalFeeEarned" xlink:title="EquityFundingArrangementTotalFeeEarned" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="EquityFundingArrangementTotalFeeEarned" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to EquityFundingArrangementTotalFeeEarned" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableUnderwritersPromotersAndEmployeesOtherThanSalariesAndWagesCurrent" xlink:label="AccountsPayableUnderwritersPromotersAndEmployeesOtherThanSalariesAndWagesCurrent" xlink:title="AccountsPayableUnderwritersPromotersAndEmployeesOtherThanSalariesAndWagesCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="AccountsPayableUnderwritersPromotersAndEmployeesOtherThanSalariesAndWagesCurrent" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to AccountsPayableUnderwritersPromotersAndEmployeesOtherThanSalariesAndWagesCurrent" order="9.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="LegalEntityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="EntityDomain" xlink:title="EntityDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="EntityDomain" xlink:title="definition: LegalEntityAxis to EntityDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="EntityDomain_2" xlink:title="EntityDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="EntityDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: LegalEntityAxis to EntityDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_EssentReinsuranceLtdMember" xlink:label="EssentReinsuranceLtdMember" xlink:title="EssentReinsuranceLtdMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EntityDomain" xlink:to="EssentReinsuranceLtdMember" xlink:title="definition: EntityDomain to EssentReinsuranceLtdMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_EssentGuarantyIncMember" xlink:label="EssentGuarantyIncMember" xlink:title="EssentGuarantyIncMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EntityDomain" xlink:to="EssentGuarantyIncMember" xlink:title="definition: EntityDomain to EssentGuarantyIncMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="RangeAxis" xlink:title="RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember" xlink:title="RangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="MaximumMember" xlink:title="MaximumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MaximumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MaximumMember" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionAxis to RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_2" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionAxis to RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" use="optional" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_QuotaShareReinsuranceTransactionMember" xlink:label="QuotaShareReinsuranceTransactionMember" xlink:title="QuotaShareReinsuranceTransactionMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:to="QuotaShareReinsuranceTransactionMember" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionDomain to QuotaShareReinsuranceTransactionMember" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:title="RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis to RelatedPartyDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="EssentGuarantyIncMember" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyDomain to EssentGuarantyIncMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementClassOfStockAxis to ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_CommonClassB2Member" xlink:label="CommonClassB2Member" xlink:title="CommonClassB2Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassB2Member" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassB2Member" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems" xlink:label="ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems" xlink:title="ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationTable" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems to ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationTable" xlink:to="RangeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationTable to RangeAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationTable" xlink:to="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationTable to LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationTable" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationTable to RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationTable" xlink:to="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationTable to StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:title="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationTable" xlink:to="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationTable to StatementEquityComponentsAxis" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:title="EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementEquityComponentsAxis to EquityComponentDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="EquityComponentDomain_2" xlink:title="EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="EquityComponentDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: StatementEquityComponentsAxis to EquityComponentDomain" use="optional" priority="1" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="CommonStockMember" xlink:title="CommonStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="CommonStockMember" xlink:title="definition: EquityComponentDomain to CommonStockMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationTable" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationTable to RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" use="optional" order="3.5" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates" xlink:label="NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates" xlink:title="NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems to NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyReinsuredRiskPercentage" xlink:label="ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyReinsuredRiskPercentage" xlink:title="ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyReinsuredRiskPercentage" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems" xlink:to="ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyReinsuredRiskPercentage" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems to ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyReinsuredRiskPercentage" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteStockSplitConversionRatio1" xlink:label="StockholdersEquityNoteStockSplitConversionRatio1" xlink:title="StockholdersEquityNoteStockSplitConversionRatio1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems" xlink:to="StockholdersEquityNoteStockSplitConversionRatio1" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems to StockholdersEquityNoteStockSplitConversionRatio1" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_StockConversionRatio" xlink:label="StockConversionRatio" xlink:title="StockConversionRatio" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems" xlink:to="StockConversionRatio" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems to StockConversionRatio" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgageInsuredDownPaymentPercentage" xlink:label="LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgageInsuredDownPaymentPercentage" xlink:title="LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgageInsuredDownPaymentPercentage" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems" xlink:to="LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgageInsuredDownPaymentPercentage" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems to LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgageInsuredDownPaymentPercentage" use="optional" order="2.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="RangeAxis" xlink:title="RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember" xlink:title="RangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="MaximumMember" xlink:title="MaximumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MaximumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MaximumMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:label="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:title="LossContingenciesLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:label="LossContingenciesTable" xlink:title="LossContingenciesTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="LossContingenciesTable" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesLineItems to LossContingenciesTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:label="LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:title="LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesTable to LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:title="LossContingencyNatureDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:to="LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis to LossContingencyNatureDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="LossContingencyNatureDomain_2" xlink:title="LossContingencyNatureDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:to="LossContingencyNatureDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis to LossContingencyNatureDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndemnificationGuaranteeMember" xlink:label="IndemnificationGuaranteeMember" xlink:title="IndemnificationGuaranteeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:to="IndemnificationGuaranteeMember" xlink:title="definition: LossContingencyNatureDomain to IndemnificationGuaranteeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="RangeAxis" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesTable to RangeAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValuePayments" xlink:label="LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValuePayments" xlink:title="LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValuePayments" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValuePayments" xlink:title="definition: LossContingenciesLineItems to LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValuePayments" use="optional" order="2.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="RangeAxis" xlink:title="RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember" xlink:title="RangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="MaximumMember" xlink:title="MaximumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MaximumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MaximumMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="MinimumMember" xlink:title="MinimumMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MinimumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MinimumMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:title="RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis to RelatedPartyDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DirectorMember" xlink:label="DirectorMember" xlink:title="DirectorMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="DirectorMember" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyDomain to DirectorMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_EmployeeMember" xlink:label="EmployeeMember" xlink:title="EmployeeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="EmployeeMember" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyDomain to EmployeeMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChiefExecutiveOfficerMember" xlink:label="ChiefExecutiveOfficerMember" xlink:title="ChiefExecutiveOfficerMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="ChiefExecutiveOfficerMember" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyDomain to ChiefExecutiveOfficerMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_SeniorManagementExcludingChiefExecutiveOfficerMember" xlink:label="SeniorManagementExcludingChiefExecutiveOfficerMember" xlink:title="SeniorManagementExcludingChiefExecutiveOfficerMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="SeniorManagementExcludingChiefExecutiveOfficerMember" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyDomain to SeniorManagementExcludingChiefExecutiveOfficerMember" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementClassOfStockAxis to ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="CommonClassAMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassAMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_CommonClassB2Member" xlink:label="CommonClassB2Member" xlink:title="CommonClassB2Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassB2Member" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassB2Member" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:title="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:title="EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementEquityComponentsAxis to EquityComponentDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="CommonStockMember" xlink:title="CommonStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="CommonStockMember" xlink:title="definition: EquityComponentDomain to CommonStockMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="PlanNameAxis" xlink:title="PlanNameAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="PlanNameAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to PlanNameAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="PlanNameDomain" xlink:title="PlanNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="PlanNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: PlanNameAxis to PlanNameDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="PlanNameDomain_2" xlink:title="PlanNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="PlanNameDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: PlanNameAxis to PlanNameDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_EssentGroupLimited2013LongTermIncentivePlanMember" xlink:label="EssentGroupLimited2013LongTermIncentivePlanMember" xlink:title="EssentGroupLimited2013LongTermIncentivePlanMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="EssentGroupLimited2013LongTermIncentivePlanMember" xlink:title="definition: PlanNameDomain to EssentGroupLimited2013LongTermIncentivePlanMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:label="VestingAxis" xlink:title="VestingAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="VestingAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to VestingAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:label="VestingDomain" xlink:title="VestingDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="VestingAxis" xlink:to="VestingDomain" xlink:title="definition: VestingAxis to VestingDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:label="VestingDomain_2" xlink:title="VestingDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="VestingAxis" xlink:to="VestingDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: VestingAxis to VestingDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_VestingBasedOnServiceAndPerformanceMember" xlink:label="VestingBasedOnServiceAndPerformanceMember" xlink:title="VestingBasedOnServiceAndPerformanceMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="VestingDomain" xlink:to="VestingBasedOnServiceAndPerformanceMember" xlink:title="definition: VestingDomain to VestingBasedOnServiceAndPerformanceMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved11PercentMember" xlink:label="CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved11PercentMember" xlink:title="CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved11PercentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="VestingBasedOnServiceAndPerformanceMember" xlink:to="CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved11PercentMember" xlink:title="definition: VestingBasedOnServiceAndPerformanceMember to CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved11PercentMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved12PercentMember" xlink:label="CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved12PercentMember" xlink:title="CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved12PercentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="VestingBasedOnServiceAndPerformanceMember" xlink:to="CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved12PercentMember" xlink:title="definition: VestingBasedOnServiceAndPerformanceMember to CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved12PercentMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved13PercentMember" xlink:label="CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved13PercentMember" xlink:title="CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved13PercentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="VestingBasedOnServiceAndPerformanceMember" xlink:to="CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved13PercentMember" xlink:title="definition: VestingBasedOnServiceAndPerformanceMember to CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved13PercentMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved14PercentMember" xlink:label="CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved14PercentMember" xlink:title="CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved14PercentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="VestingBasedOnServiceAndPerformanceMember" xlink:to="CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved14PercentMember" xlink:title="definition: VestingBasedOnServiceAndPerformanceMember to CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved14PercentMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved15PercentMember" xlink:label="CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved15PercentMember" xlink:title="CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved15PercentMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="VestingBasedOnServiceAndPerformanceMember" xlink:to="CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved15PercentMember" xlink:title="definition: VestingBasedOnServiceAndPerformanceMember to CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved15PercentMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_VestingBasedOnServiceMember" xlink:label="VestingBasedOnServiceMember" xlink:title="VestingBasedOnServiceMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="VestingDomain" xlink:to="VestingBasedOnServiceMember" xlink:title="definition: VestingDomain to VestingBasedOnServiceMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_ThirdAnniversaryVestingMember" xlink:label="ThirdAnniversaryVestingMember" xlink:title="ThirdAnniversaryVestingMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="VestingDomain" xlink:to="ThirdAnniversaryVestingMember" xlink:title="definition: VestingDomain to ThirdAnniversaryVestingMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_FourthAnniversaryVestingMember" xlink:label="FourthAnniversaryVestingMember" xlink:title="FourthAnniversaryVestingMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="VestingDomain" xlink:to="FourthAnniversaryVestingMember" xlink:title="definition: VestingDomain to FourthAnniversaryVestingMember" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_FifthAnniversaryVestingMember" xlink:label="FifthAnniversaryVestingMember" xlink:title="FifthAnniversaryVestingMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="VestingDomain" xlink:to="FifthAnniversaryVestingMember" xlink:title="definition: VestingDomain to FifthAnniversaryVestingMember" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_GrantDateVestingMember" xlink:label="GrantDateVestingMember" xlink:title="GrantDateVestingMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="VestingDomain" xlink:to="GrantDateVestingMember" xlink:title="definition: VestingDomain to GrantDateVestingMember" use="optional" order="8003.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="AwardTypeAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to AwardTypeAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: AwardTypeAxis to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: AwardTypeAxis to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="RestrictedStockMember" xlink:title="RestrictedStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="RestrictedStockMember" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain to RestrictedStockMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:title="RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain to RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember" xlink:label="StockCompensationPlanMember" xlink:title="StockCompensationPlanMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="StockCompensationPlanMember" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain to StockCompensationPlanMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to StatementEquityComponentsAxis" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="RangeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to RangeAxis" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformancePeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformancePeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformancePeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformancePeriod" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformancePeriod" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardVestingPeriodOnCompletionOfPerformancePeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardVestingPeriodOnCompletionOfPerformancePeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardVestingPeriodOnCompletionOfPerformancePeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardVestingPeriodOnCompletionOfPerformancePeriod" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardVestingPeriodOnCompletionOfPerformancePeriod" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthRate" xlink:label="CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthRate" xlink:title="CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthRate" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthRate" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthRate" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage" xlink:label="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage" xlink:title="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" use="optional" order="11.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions" xlink:label="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions" xlink:title="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:title="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:title="SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:title="AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense" xlink:label="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense" xlink:title="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance" xlink:label="CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance" xlink:title="CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract to CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAmountUsedToDeriveInvestmentPercentageDenominator" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAmountUsedToDeriveInvestmentPercentageDenominator" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAmountUsedToDeriveInvestmentPercentageDenominator" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAmountUsedToDeriveInvestmentPercentageDenominator" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAmountUsedToDeriveInvestmentPercentageDenominator" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAnnualNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAnnualNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAnnualNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAnnualNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAnnualNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" use="optional" order="8002.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAnnualAdditionalSharesAuthorizedAsPercentageOfOutstandingShares" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAnnualAdditionalSharesAuthorizedAsPercentageOfOutstandingShares" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAnnualAdditionalSharesAuthorizedAsPercentageOfOutstandingShares" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAnnualAdditionalSharesAuthorizedAsPercentageOfOutstandingShares" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAnnualAdditionalSharesAuthorizedAsPercentageOfOutstandingShares" use="optional" order="8003.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantedPercentage" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantedPercentage" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantedPercentage" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantedPercentage" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantedPercentage" use="optional" order="8004.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementClassOfStockAxis to ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="CommonClassAMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassAMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_CommonClassB2Member" xlink:label="CommonClassB2Member" xlink:title="CommonClassB2Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassB2Member" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassB2Member" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:title="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:title="EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementEquityComponentsAxis to EquityComponentDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="CommonStockMember" xlink:title="CommonStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="CommonStockMember" xlink:title="definition: EquityComponentDomain to CommonStockMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="AwardTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: AwardTypeAxis to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:title="PerformanceSharesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain to PerformanceSharesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems" xlink:label="EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems" xlink:title="EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:title="definition: EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems to ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:to="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable to StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:to="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable to StatementEquityComponentsAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:to="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable to AwardTypeAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:title="NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems" xlink:to="NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:title="definition: EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems to NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UndistributedEarnings" xlink:label="UndistributedEarnings" xlink:title="UndistributedEarnings" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems" xlink:to="UndistributedEarnings" xlink:title="definition: EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems to UndistributedEarnings" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:title="EarningsPerShareBasic" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems" xlink:to="EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:title="definition: EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems to EarningsPerShareBasic" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:title="EarningsPerShareDiluted" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems" xlink:to="EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:title="definition: EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems to EarningsPerShareDiluted" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:title="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems" xlink:to="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:title="definition: EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems to WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToNonvestedSharesWithForfeitableDividends" xlink:label="IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToNonvestedSharesWithForfeitableDividends" xlink:title="IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToNonvestedSharesWithForfeitableDividends" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems" xlink:to="IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToNonvestedSharesWithForfeitableDividends" xlink:title="definition: EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems to IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToNonvestedSharesWithForfeitableDividends" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:title="WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems" xlink:to="WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:title="definition: EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems to WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:title="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems" xlink:to="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:title="definition: EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems to AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" use="optional" order="9.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToContingentlyIssuableShares" xlink:label="IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToContingentlyIssuableShares" xlink:title="IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToContingentlyIssuableShares" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems" xlink:to="IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToContingentlyIssuableShares" xlink:title="definition: EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems to IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToContingentlyIssuableShares" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesContingentlyIssuable" xlink:label="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesContingentlyIssuable" xlink:title="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesContingentlyIssuable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems" xlink:to="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesContingentlyIssuable" xlink:title="definition: EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems to WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesContingentlyIssuable" use="optional" order="11.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsAbstract" xlink:label="UndistributedEarningsAbstract" xlink:title="UndistributedEarningsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems" xlink:to="UndistributedEarningsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems to UndistributedEarningsAbstract" order="12.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustment" xlink:label="PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustment" xlink:title="PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="UndistributedEarningsAbstract" xlink:to="PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustment" xlink:title="definition: UndistributedEarningsAbstract to PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustment" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock" xlink:label="DividendsCommonStock" xlink:title="DividendsCommonStock" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems" xlink:to="DividendsCommonStock" xlink:title="definition: EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems to DividendsCommonStock" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:title="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:title="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems to FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:title="FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable to FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis to FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_2" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis to FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:title="definition: FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain to FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:title="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable to FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis to FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis to FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:title="FairValueInputsLevel1Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:title="definition: FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain to FairValueInputsLevel1Member" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:title="FairValueInputsLevel2Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:title="definition: FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain to FairValueInputsLevel2Member" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:title="EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:title="definition: FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain to EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:title="FairValueInputsLevel3Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:title="definition: FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain to FairValueInputsLevel3Member" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis" xlink:label="InvestmentIssuerAxis" xlink:title="InvestmentIssuerAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="InvestmentIssuerAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable to InvestmentIssuerAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:label="InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:title="InvestmentIssuerDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="InvestmentIssuerAxis" xlink:to="InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentIssuerAxis to InvestmentIssuerDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:to="USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentIssuerDomain to USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable to MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis to MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:title="USTreasurySecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to USTreasurySecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember" xlink:label="MunicipalBondsMember" xlink:title="MunicipalBondsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="MunicipalBondsMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to MunicipalBondsMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" xlink:label="MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" xlink:title="MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember" xlink:label="MoneyMarketFundsMember" xlink:title="MoneyMarketFundsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="MoneyMarketFundsMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to MoneyMarketFundsMember" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="FinancialLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="FinancialLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="FinancialLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems to FinancialLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecurities" use="optional" order="3.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis" xlink:label="InvestmentIssuerAxis" xlink:title="InvestmentIssuerAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:label="InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:title="InvestmentIssuerDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="InvestmentIssuerAxis" xlink:to="InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentIssuerAxis to InvestmentIssuerDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:to="USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentIssuerDomain to USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis to MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:title="USTreasurySecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to USTreasurySecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember" xlink:label="MunicipalBondsMember" xlink:title="MunicipalBondsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="MunicipalBondsMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to MunicipalBondsMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" xlink:label="MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" xlink:title="MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember" xlink:label="MoneyMarketFundsMember" xlink:title="MoneyMarketFundsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="MoneyMarketFundsMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to MoneyMarketFundsMember" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:title="FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:label="FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:title="FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:title="definition: FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems to FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:title="FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:to="FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable to FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:title="FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:to="FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis to FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_2" xlink:title="FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:to="FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis to FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:title="CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:to="CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:title="definition: FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain to CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:title="EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:to="EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:title="definition: FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain to EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:to="InvestmentIssuerAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable to InvestmentIssuerAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:to="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable to MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:label="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:title="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems to FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecurities" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:label="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:title="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems to FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" xlink:title="definition: FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract to BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" use="optional" order="1.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureStatutoryAccountingDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="LegalEntityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="EntityDomain" xlink:title="EntityDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="EntityDomain" xlink:title="definition: LegalEntityAxis to EntityDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_EssentGuarantyIncMember" xlink:label="EssentGuarantyIncMember" xlink:title="EssentGuarantyIncMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EntityDomain" xlink:to="EssentGuarantyIncMember" xlink:title="definition: EntityDomain to EssentGuarantyIncMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_EssentGuarantyOfPAIncMember" xlink:label="EssentGuarantyOfPAIncMember" xlink:title="EssentGuarantyOfPAIncMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EntityDomain" xlink:to="EssentGuarantyOfPAIncMember" xlink:title="definition: EntityDomain to EssentGuarantyOfPAIncMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems" xlink:label="StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems" xlink:title="StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable" xlink:label="StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable" xlink:title="StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems" xlink:to="StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable" xlink:title="definition: StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems to StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable" xlink:to="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="definition: StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable to LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount" xlink:label="StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount" xlink:title="StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems" xlink:to="StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount" xlink:title="definition: StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems to StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutorySurplusBalance" xlink:label="StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutorySurplusBalance" xlink:title="StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutorySurplusBalance" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems" xlink:to="StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutorySurplusBalance" xlink:title="definition: StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems to StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutorySurplusBalance" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryContingencyReserveLiability" xlink:label="StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryContingencyReserveLiability" xlink:title="StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryContingencyReserveLiability" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems" xlink:to="StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryContingencyReserveLiability" xlink:title="definition: StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems to StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryContingencyReserveLiability" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_StatutoryAccountingPracticesIncreaseDecreaseInContingencyReserve" xlink:label="StatutoryAccountingPracticesIncreaseDecreaseInContingencyReserve" xlink:title="StatutoryAccountingPracticesIncreaseDecreaseInContingencyReserve" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems" xlink:to="StatutoryAccountingPracticesIncreaseDecreaseInContingencyReserve" xlink:title="definition: StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems to StatutoryAccountingPracticesIncreaseDecreaseInContingencyReserve" use="optional" order="5.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentsAvailableForSaleDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis" xlink:label="InvestmentIssuerAxis" xlink:title="InvestmentIssuerAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:label="InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:title="InvestmentIssuerDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="InvestmentIssuerAxis" xlink:to="InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentIssuerAxis to InvestmentIssuerDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:label="InvestmentIssuerDomain_2" xlink:title="InvestmentIssuerDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="InvestmentIssuerAxis" xlink:to="InvestmentIssuerDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentIssuerAxis to InvestmentIssuerDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:to="USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentIssuerDomain to USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis to MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_2" xlink:title="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis to MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:title="USTreasurySecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to USTreasurySecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember" xlink:label="MunicipalBondsMember" xlink:title="MunicipalBondsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="MunicipalBondsMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to MunicipalBondsMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" xlink:label="MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" xlink:title="MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember" xlink:label="MoneyMarketFundsMember" xlink:title="MoneyMarketFundsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="MoneyMarketFundsMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to MoneyMarketFundsMember" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:title="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:to="InvestmentIssuerAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable to InvestmentIssuerAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:to="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable to MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentSecondaryCategorizationAxis" xlink:label="InvestmentSecondaryCategorizationAxis" xlink:title="InvestmentSecondaryCategorizationAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:to="InvestmentSecondaryCategorizationAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable to InvestmentSecondaryCategorizationAxis" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain" xlink:label="InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain" xlink:title="InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="InvestmentSecondaryCategorizationAxis" xlink:to="InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentSecondaryCategorizationAxis to InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain" xlink:label="InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain_2" xlink:title="InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="InvestmentSecondaryCategorizationAxis" xlink:to="InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentSecondaryCategorizationAxis to InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_SpecialRevenueMunicipalBondsMember" xlink:label="SpecialRevenueMunicipalBondsMember" xlink:title="SpecialRevenueMunicipalBondsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain" xlink:to="SpecialRevenueMunicipalBondsMember" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain to SpecialRevenueMunicipalBondsMember" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_GeneralObligationMunicipalBondsMember" xlink:label="GeneralObligationMunicipalBondsMember" xlink:title="GeneralObligationMunicipalBondsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain" xlink:to="GeneralObligationMunicipalBondsMember" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain to GeneralObligationMunicipalBondsMember" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_TaxAllocationMunicipalBondsMember" xlink:label="TaxAllocationMunicipalBondsMember" xlink:title="TaxAllocationMunicipalBondsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain" xlink:to="TaxAllocationMunicipalBondsMember" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain to TaxAllocationMunicipalBondsMember" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_CertificationOfParticipationBondsMember" xlink:label="CertificationOfParticipationBondsMember" xlink:title="CertificationOfParticipationBondsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain" xlink:to="CertificationOfParticipationBondsMember" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain to CertificationOfParticipationBondsMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecurities" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets" xlink:label="InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets" xlink:title="InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets" order="6.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentsAvailableForSaleDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis" xlink:label="InvestmentIssuerAxis" xlink:title="InvestmentIssuerAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:label="InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:title="InvestmentIssuerDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="InvestmentIssuerAxis" xlink:to="InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentIssuerAxis to InvestmentIssuerDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:to="USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentIssuerDomain to USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis to MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:title="USTreasurySecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to USTreasurySecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember" xlink:label="MunicipalBondsMember" xlink:title="MunicipalBondsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="MunicipalBondsMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to MunicipalBondsMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" xlink:label="MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" xlink:title="MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember" xlink:label="MoneyMarketFundsMember" xlink:title="MoneyMarketFundsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="MoneyMarketFundsMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to MoneyMarketFundsMember" use="optional" order="8.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:title="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:to="InvestmentIssuerAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable to InvestmentIssuerAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:to="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable to MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsAmortizedCostBasis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsAmortizedCostBasis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveAmortizedCostBasis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveAmortizedCostBasis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenAmortizedCostBasis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenAmortizedCostBasis" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenAmortizedCostBasis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenAmortizedCostBasis" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasis" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCost" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCost" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCost" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCost" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCost" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearFiveAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearFiveAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearFiveAmortizedCostBasis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearFiveAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearFiveAmortizedCostBasis" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsFairValue" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveFairValue" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveFairValue" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveFairValue" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveFairValue" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenFairValue" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenFairValue" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenFairValue" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenFairValue" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenFairValue" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenFairValue" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenFairValue" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenFairValue" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDate" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDate" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDate" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDate" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDate" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateFairValue" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateFairValue" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateFairValue" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateFairValue" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecurities" use="optional" order="7.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearFiveFairValue" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearFiveFairValue" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearFiveFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearFiveFairValue" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearFiveFairValue" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentsAvailableForSaleDetails3">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis" xlink:label="InvestmentIssuerAxis" xlink:title="InvestmentIssuerAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:label="InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:title="InvestmentIssuerDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="InvestmentIssuerAxis" xlink:to="InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentIssuerAxis to InvestmentIssuerDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:to="USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentIssuerDomain to USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis to MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:title="USTreasurySecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to USTreasurySecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember" xlink:label="MunicipalBondsMember" xlink:title="MunicipalBondsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="MunicipalBondsMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to MunicipalBondsMember" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="4.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" xlink:label="MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" xlink:title="MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" use="optional" order="5.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" use="optional" order="6.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:title="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:to="InvestmentIssuerAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable to InvestmentIssuerAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:to="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable to MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss" order="3.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentsAvailableForSaleDetails4">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems" xlink:label="ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems" xlink:title="ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems to ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:title="InvestmentTypeAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable" xlink:to="InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable to InvestmentTypeAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:title="InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:to="InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentTypeAxis to InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_2" xlink:title="InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:to="InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_2" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentTypeAxis to InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember" xlink:label="FixedMaturitiesMember" xlink:title="FixedMaturitiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:to="FixedMaturitiesMember" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember to FixedMaturitiesMember" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="ShortTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:title="ShortTermInvestmentsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:to="ShortTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:title="definition: InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember to ShortTermInvestmentsMember" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GrossInvestmentIncomeOperating" xlink:label="GrossInvestmentIncomeOperating" xlink:title="GrossInvestmentIncomeOperating" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems" xlink:to="GrossInvestmentIncomeOperating" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems to GrossInvestmentIncomeOperating" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense" xlink:label="InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense" xlink:title="InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems" xlink:to="InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems to InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense" use="optional" order="3.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome" xlink:label="NetInvestmentIncome" xlink:title="NetInvestmentIncome" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems" xlink:to="NetInvestmentIncome" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems to NetInvestmentIncome" use="optional" order="4.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DisclosureEarningsLossPerShareDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementClassOfStockAxis to ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="CommonClassAMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassAMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_CommonClassB2Member" xlink:label="CommonClassB2Member" xlink:title="CommonClassB2Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassB2Member" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassB2Member" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:label="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:title="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:title="definition: AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems to ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" use="optional" order="8000.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:to="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable to StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" order="1.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:to="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable to AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" use="optional" order="2.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:title="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis to AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_2" xlink:title="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis to AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" use="optional" order="8001.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="RestrictedStockMember" xlink:title="RestrictedStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="RestrictedStockMember" xlink:title="definition: AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain to RestrictedStockMember" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/IncomeStatementAndComprehensiveIncomeLoss">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementClassOfStockAxis to ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="CommonClassAMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassAMember" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_CommonClassB2Member" xlink:label="CommonClassB2Member" xlink:title="CommonClassB2Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassB2Member" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassB2Member" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:title="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:title="EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementEquityComponentsAxis to EquityComponentDomain" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="CommonStockMember" xlink:title="CommonStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="CommonStockMember" xlink:title="definition: EquityComponentDomain to CommonStockMember" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="StatementLineItems" xlink:title="StatementLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="StatementTable" xlink:title="StatementTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="StatementTable" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to StatementTable" use="optional" order="10.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="StatementTable" xlink:to="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:title="definition: StatementTable to StatementEquityComponentsAxis" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="StatementTable" xlink:to="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="definition: StatementTable to StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="RevenuesAbstract" xlink:title="RevenuesAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="RevenuesAbstract" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to RevenuesAbstract" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsWrittenNet" xlink:label="PremiumsWrittenNet" xlink:title="PremiumsWrittenNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="PremiumsWrittenNet" xlink:title="definition: RevenuesAbstract to PremiumsWrittenNet" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnearnedPremiumsNet" xlink:label="IncreaseDecreaseInUnearnedPremiumsNet" xlink:title="IncreaseDecreaseInUnearnedPremiumsNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="IncreaseDecreaseInUnearnedPremiumsNet" xlink:title="definition: RevenuesAbstract to IncreaseDecreaseInUnearnedPremiumsNet" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNet" xlink:label="PremiumsEarnedNet" xlink:title="PremiumsEarnedNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="PremiumsEarnedNet" xlink:title="definition: RevenuesAbstract to PremiumsEarnedNet" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome" xlink:label="NetInvestmentIncome" xlink:title="NetInvestmentIncome" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="NetInvestmentIncome" xlink:title="definition: RevenuesAbstract to NetInvestmentIncome" use="optional" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments" xlink:label="AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments" xlink:title="AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments" xlink:title="definition: RevenuesAbstract to AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments" use="optional" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIncome" xlink:label="OtherIncome" xlink:title="OtherIncome" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="OtherIncome" xlink:title="definition: RevenuesAbstract to OtherIncome" use="optional" order="60.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="Revenues" xlink:title="Revenues" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="Revenues" xlink:title="definition: RevenuesAbstract to Revenues" use="optional" order="70.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BenefitsLossesAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="BenefitsLossesAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:title="BenefitsLossesAndExpensesAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="BenefitsLossesAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to BenefitsLossesAndExpensesAbstract" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNet" xlink:label="PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNet" xlink:title="PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BenefitsLossesAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNet" xlink:title="definition: BenefitsLossesAndExpensesAbstract to PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNet" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_OtherUnderwritingAndOperatingExpenses" xlink:label="OtherUnderwritingAndOperatingExpenses" xlink:title="OtherUnderwritingAndOperatingExpenses" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BenefitsLossesAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="OtherUnderwritingAndOperatingExpenses" xlink:title="definition: BenefitsLossesAndExpensesAbstract to OtherUnderwritingAndOperatingExpenses" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BenefitsLossesAndExpenses" xlink:label="BenefitsLossesAndExpenses" xlink:title="BenefitsLossesAndExpenses" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="BenefitsLossesAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="BenefitsLossesAndExpenses" xlink:title="definition: BenefitsLossesAndExpensesAbstract to BenefitsLossesAndExpenses" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:title="IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" use="optional" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" use="optional" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:title="NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" use="optional" order="60.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" xlink:label="EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" xlink:title="EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" use="optional" order="70.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:title="EarningsPerShareBasic" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" xlink:to="EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:title="definition: EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract to EarningsPerShareBasic" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:title="EarningsPerShareDiluted" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" xlink:to="EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:title="definition: EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract to EarningsPerShareDiluted" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:label="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:title="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" use="optional" order="80.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:title="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:title="definition: WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract to WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:title="WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:title="definition: WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract to WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract" xlink:label="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract" xlink:title="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract" order="90.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract" xlink:title="definition: ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract to OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:title="definition: OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract to OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:title="definition: OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract to OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:title="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract" xlink:to="ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:title="definition: OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract to ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" use="optional" order="30.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/BalanceSheet">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis to MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember" xlink:label="FixedMaturitiesMember" xlink:title="FixedMaturitiesMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="FixedMaturitiesMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to FixedMaturitiesMember" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="ShortTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:title="ShortTermInvestmentsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="ShortTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:title="definition: MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain to ShortTermInvestmentsMember" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="AvailableForSaleSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:title="definition: AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecurities" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="StatementLineItems" xlink:title="StatementLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="StatementTable" xlink:title="StatementTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="StatementTable" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to StatementTable" use="optional" order="10.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="StatementTable" xlink:to="MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:title="definition: StatementTable to MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="AssetsAbstract" xlink:title="AssetsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="AssetsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to AssetsAbstract" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:title="definition: AssetsAbstract to AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Cash" xlink:label="Cash" xlink:title="Cash" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="Cash" xlink:title="definition: AssetsAbstract to Cash" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable" xlink:label="AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable" xlink:title="AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable" xlink:title="definition: AssetsAbstract to AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet" xlink:label="AccountsReceivableNet" xlink:title="AccountsReceivableNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="AccountsReceivableNet" xlink:title="definition: AssetsAbstract to AccountsReceivableNet" use="optional" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCosts" xlink:label="DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCosts" xlink:title="DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCosts" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCosts" xlink:title="definition: AssetsAbstract to DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCosts" use="optional" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:title="definition: AssetsAbstract to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" use="optional" order="60.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_MortgageGuarantyInsurerUnitedStatesMortgageGuarantyTaxAndLossBonds" xlink:label="MortgageGuarantyInsurerUnitedStatesMortgageGuarantyTaxAndLossBonds" xlink:title="MortgageGuarantyInsurerUnitedStatesMortgageGuarantyTaxAndLossBonds" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="MortgageGuarantyInsurerUnitedStatesMortgageGuarantyTaxAndLossBonds" xlink:title="definition: AssetsAbstract to MortgageGuarantyInsurerUnitedStatesMortgageGuarantyTaxAndLossBonds" use="optional" order="70.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNet" xlink:label="DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNet" xlink:title="DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNet" xlink:title="definition: AssetsAbstract to DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNet" use="optional" order="80.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="OtherAssets" xlink:title="OtherAssets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="OtherAssets" xlink:title="definition: AssetsAbstract to OtherAssets" use="optional" order="90.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="Assets" xlink:title="Assets" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="Assets" xlink:title="definition: AssetsAbstract to Assets" use="optional" order="100.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:title="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:title="LiabilitiesAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract to LiabilitiesAbstract" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNet" xlink:label="LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNet" xlink:title="LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNet" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNet" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesAbstract to LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNet" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnearnedPremiums" xlink:label="UnearnedPremiums" xlink:title="UnearnedPremiums" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="UnearnedPremiums" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesAbstract to UnearnedPremiums" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" xlink:label="BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" xlink:title="BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesAbstract to BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:title="EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesAbstract to EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" use="optional" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities" xlink:label="DeferredTaxLiabilities" xlink:title="DeferredTaxLiabilities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="DeferredTaxLiabilities" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesAbstract to DeferredTaxLiabilities" use="optional" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:title="OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesAbstract to OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" use="optional" order="60.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="Liabilities" xlink:title="Liabilities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="Liabilities" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesAbstract to Liabilities" use="optional" order="70.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PayablesToBrokerDealersAndClearingOrganizations" xlink:label="PayablesToBrokerDealersAndClearingOrganizations" xlink:title="PayablesToBrokerDealersAndClearingOrganizations" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="PayablesToBrokerDealersAndClearingOrganizations" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesAbstract to PayablesToBrokerDealersAndClearingOrganizations" use="optional" order="8000.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:title="CommitmentsAndContingencies" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract to CommitmentsAndContingencies" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:title="StockholdersEquityAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract to StockholdersEquityAbstract" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="CommonStockValue" xlink:title="CommonStockValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="CommonStockValue" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityAbstract to CommonStockValue" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" xlink:label="AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" xlink:title="AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityAbstract to AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:title="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityAbstract to AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:title="RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityAbstract to RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" use="optional" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="StockholdersEquity" xlink:title="StockholdersEquity" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="StockholdersEquity" xlink:title="definition: StockholdersEquityAbstract to StockholdersEquity" use="optional" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:title="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:title="definition: LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract to LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" use="optional" order="40.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/StatementOfStockholdersEquity">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementClassOfStockAxis to ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfStockDomain_2" xlink:title="ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfStockDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: StatementClassOfStockAxis to ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="CommonClassAMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassAMember" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_CommonClassB2Member" xlink:label="CommonClassB2Member" xlink:title="CommonClassB2Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassB2Member" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassB2Member" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:title="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:title="EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementEquityComponentsAxis to EquityComponentDomain" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="EquityComponentDomain_2" xlink:title="EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="EquityComponentDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: StatementEquityComponentsAxis to EquityComponentDomain" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="CommonStockMember" xlink:title="CommonStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="CommonStockMember" xlink:title="definition: EquityComponentDomain to CommonStockMember" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:title="AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:title="definition: EquityComponentDomain to AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:title="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:title="definition: EquityComponentDomain to AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:title="RetainedEarningsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:title="definition: EquityComponentDomain to RetainedEarningsMember" use="optional" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" xlink:label="TreasuryStockMember" xlink:title="TreasuryStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="TreasuryStockMember" xlink:title="definition: EquityComponentDomain to TreasuryStockMember" use="optional" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="StatementLineItems" xlink:title="StatementLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="StatementTable" xlink:title="StatementTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="StatementTable" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to StatementTable" use="optional" order="10.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="StatementTable" xlink:to="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:title="definition: StatementTable to StatementEquityComponentsAxis" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="StatementTable" xlink:to="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="definition: StatementTable to StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:title="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:title="NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:title="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssuesPrivatePlacement" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssuesPrivatePlacement" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssuesPrivatePlacement" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssuesPrivatePlacement" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssuesPrivatePlacement" use="optional" order="30.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" use="optional" order="40.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssuesInitialPublicOffering" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssuesInitialPublicOffering" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssuesInitialPublicOffering" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssuesInitialPublicOffering" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssuesInitialPublicOffering" use="optional" order="50.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationGross" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationGross" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationGross" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationGross" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationGross" use="optional" order="60.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationForfeited" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationForfeited" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationForfeited" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationForfeited" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationForfeited" use="optional" order="70.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:title="AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" use="optional" order="80.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:label="TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:title="TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" use="optional" order="90.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockRetiredCostMethodAmount" xlink:label="TreasuryStockRetiredCostMethodAmount" xlink:title="TreasuryStockRetiredCostMethodAmount" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="TreasuryStockRetiredCostMethodAmount" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to TreasuryStockRetiredCostMethodAmount" use="optional" order="100.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation" xlink:title="AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation" use="optional" order="110.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="StockholdersEquity" xlink:title="StockholdersEquity" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="StockholdersEquity" xlink:title="definition: IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward to StockholdersEquity" use="optional" order="120.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/StatementOfStockholdersEquityParenthetical">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementClassOfStockAxis to ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="CommonClassAMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassAMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassAMember" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="esnt-20140630.xsd#esnt_CommonClassAAndClassB2Member" xlink:label="CommonClassAAndClassB2Member" xlink:title="CommonClassAAndClassB2Member" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonClassAAndClassB2Member" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonClassAAndClassB2Member" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:title="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:title="EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementEquityComponentsAxis to EquityComponentDomain" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="CommonStockMember" xlink:title="CommonStockMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="CommonStockMember" xlink:title="definition: EquityComponentDomain to CommonStockMember" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="StatementLineItems" xlink:title="StatementLineItems" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="StatementTable" xlink:title="StatementTable" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="StatementTable" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to StatementTable" use="optional" order="10.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="StatementTable" xlink:to="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:title="definition: StatementTable to StatementEquityComponentsAxis" use="optional" order="20.0" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="StatementTable" xlink:to="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="definition: StatementTable to StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" order="10.0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts" xlink:title="AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="StatementLineItems" xlink:to="AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts" xlink:title="definition: StatementLineItems to AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts" use="optional" order="20.0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>
