Fence Definition
fĕns
fenced, fences, fencing
noun
fences
A barrier, as of wooden or metal posts, rails, wire mesh, etc., used as a boundary or means of protection or confinement.
Webster's New World
An adjustable guide with a flat edge used on a table saw and positioned parallel to the plane of the cutting attachment in order to keep the board properly positioned for the cut to be made at the correct distance from the board's edge.
American Heritage
A protection; defense.
Webster's New World
The art of self-defense with foil, saber, or epee; fencing.
Webster's New World
A person who deals in stolen goods.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
verb
fenced, fences, fencing
To enclose, restrict, or hamper with or as with a fence.
Webster's New World
To keep (out) by or as by a fence.
Webster's New World
To ward off; protect; defend.
Webster's New World
To practice the art of fencing.
Webster's New World
To sell (stolen property) to a fence.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
idiom
on the fence
- Undecided as to which of two sides to support; uncommitted or neutral.
American Heritage
mend one's fences
- to engage in politicking; look after one's political interests
Webster's New World
on the fence
- uncommitted or undecided in a controversy
Webster's New World
Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Fence
- on the fence
- mend one's fences
- on the fence
Origin of Fence
The original meaning is "the act of defending", from Middle French defens (see defence), adopted in the 14th century. The sense "enclosure" arises in the mid 15th century. Also from the 15th century is use as a verb in the sense "to enclose with a fence". The generalized sense "to defend, screen, protect" arises ca. 1500. The sense "to fight with swords (rapiers)" is from the 1590s (Shakespeare).
From Wiktionary
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Middle English fens short for defens defense defense
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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