Attachment of real estate, goods and chattels, or other property may be made by a party bringing a counterclaim, a cross-claim or a 3rd party complaint in the same manner as upon an original claim. For purposes of applicable statutes, the word "plaintiff" shall refer to the party to the action who makes the attachment and the word "defendant" shall refer to the party to the action whose property is attached.
14 M.R.S. § 4101