— fencelike , adj.
/fens/ , n. , v. , fenced, fencing .
n.
1. a barrier enclosing or bordering a field, yard, etc., usually made of posts and wire or wood, used to prevent entrance, to confine, or to mark a boundary.
2. Informal. a person who receives and disposes of stolen goods.
3. the place of business of such a person.
4. the act, practice, art, or sport of fencing.
5. skill in argument, repartee, etc.
6. Mach. a guard or guide, as for regulating the movements of a tool or work.
7. Carpentry. a slotted guide used esp. with a framing square to lay out cuts on rafters and staircase strings.
8. Archaic. a means of defense; a bulwark.
9. mend one's fences , to strengthen or reestablish one's position by conciliation or negotiation: One could tell by his superficially deferential manner that he was trying to mend his fences.
10. on the fence , uncommitted; neutral; undecided: The party leaders are still on the fence.
v.t.
11. to enclose by some barrier, establishing exclusive right to possession: to fence a farm.
12. to separate by or as by a fence or fences (often fol. by in, off, out, etc.): to fence off a corner of one's yard; to fence out unwholesome influences.
13. to defend; protect; guard: The president was fenced by bodyguards wherever he went.
14. to ward off; keep out.
15. Informal. to sell (stolen goods) to a fence.
16. Naut. to reinforce (an opening in a sail or the like) by sewing on a grommet or other device.
v.i.
17. to practice the art or sport of fencing.
18. to parry arguments; strive to avoid giving direct answers; hedge: The mayor fenced when asked if he would run again.
19. (of a horse) to leap over a fence.
20. Obs. to raise a defense.
[ 1300-50; ME fens, aph. for defens DEFENSE ]