Fence

Fence
Fence Fence (f[e^]ns), n. [Abbrev. from defence.] 1. That which fends off attack or danger; a defense; a protection; a cover; security; shield. [1913 Webster]

Let us be backed with God and with the seas, Which he hath given for fence impregnable. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

A fence betwixt us and the victor's wrath. --Addison. [1913 Webster]

2. An inclosure about a field or other space, or about any object; especially, an inclosing structure of wood, iron, or other material, intended to prevent intrusion from without or straying from within. [1913 Webster]

Leaps o'er the fence with ease into the fold. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

Note: In England a hedge, ditch, or wall, as well as a structure of boards, palings, or rails, is called a fence. [1913 Webster]

3. (Locks) A projection on the bolt, which passes through the tumbler gates in locking and unlocking. [1913 Webster]

4. Self-defense by the use of the sword; the art and practice of fencing and sword play; hence, skill in debate and repartee. See {Fencing}. [1913 Webster]

Enjoy your dear wit, and gay rhetoric, That hath so well been taught her dazzing fence. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

Of dauntless courage and consummate skill in fence. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]

5. A receiver of stolen goods, or a place where they are received. [Slang] --Mayhew. [1913 Webster]

{Fence month} (Forest Law), the month in which female deer are fawning, when hunting is prohibited. --Bullokar.

{Fence roof}, a covering for defense. ``They fitted their shields close to one another in manner of a fence roof.'' --Holland.

{Fence time}, the breeding time of fish or game, when they should not be killed.

{Rail fence}, a fence made of rails, sometimes supported by posts.

{Ring fence}, a fence which encircles a large area, or a whole estate, within one inclosure.

{Worm fence}, a zigzag fence composed of rails crossing one another at their ends; -- called also {snake fence}, or {Virginia rail fence}.

{To be on the fence}, to be undecided or uncommitted in respect to two opposing parties or policies. [Colloq.] [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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Synonyms:
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Look at other dictionaries:

  • fence — 1 n 1: a barrier intended to prevent escape or intrusion or to mark a boundary 2 a: a receiver of stolen goods b: a place where stolen goods are bought fence 2 vt fenced, fenc·ing 1 a: to enclose with a fence …   Law dictionary

  • Fence — Fence, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Fenced} (f[e^]nst); p. pr. & vb. n. {Fencing} (f[e^]n s[i^]ng).] 1. To fend off danger from; to give security to; to protect; to guard. [1913 Webster] To fence my ear against thy sorceries. Milton. [1913 Webster] 2. To …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Fence — Fence, v. i. 1. To make a defense; to guard one s self of anything, as against an attack; to give protection or security, as by a fence. [1913 Webster] Vice is the more stubborn as well as the more dangerous evil, and therefore, in the first… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • fence — fence; fence·less; fence·row; fence·less·ness; of·fence; …   English syllables

  • fence — [fens] n. [ME fens, aphetic for defens, DEFENSE] 1. Obs. a protection; defense 2. a barrier, as of wooden or metal posts, rails, wire mesh, etc., used as a boundary or means of protection or confinement 3. the art of self defense with foil, saber …   English World dictionary

  • fence — ► NOUN 1) a barrier enclosing an area, typically consisting of posts connected by wire, wood, etc. 2) a large upright obstacle in steeplechasing, showjumping, or cross country. 3) informal a dealer in stolen goods. 4) a guard or guide on a plane… …   English terms dictionary

  • fence — [n] barrier used to enclose a piece of land backstop, balustrade, bar, barbed wire, barricade, block, boards, chains, Cyclone, defense, dike, guard, hedge, net, paling, palisade, pickets, posts, rail, railing, rampart, roadblock, shield, stakes,… …   New thesaurus

  • fence — ● fence nom masculin (anglais fence) Obstacle de steeple chase constitué par une barrière de planches …   Encyclopédie Universelle

  • fence — [fens] verb [intransitive] informal LAW to buy and sell stolen goods: • The police suspect he has been fencing electronic equipment …   Financial and business terms

  • fence in — index circumscribe (surround by boundary), confine, contain (enclose), enclose, encompass (surround), envelop …   Law dictionary

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