n. & v.
n. 1 a barrier or railing or other upright structure enclosing an area of ground, esp. to prevent or control access. 2 a large upright obstacle in steeplechasing or showjumping. 3 sl. a receiver of stolen goods. 4 a guard or guide in machinery.
v. 1 tr. surround with or as with a fence. 2 tr. a (foll. by in, off) enclose or separate with or as with a fence. b (foll. by up) seal with or as with a fence. 3 tr. (foll. by from, against) screen, shield, protect. 4 tr. (foll. by out) exclude with or as with a fence; keep out. 5 tr. (also absol.) sl. deal in (stolen goods). 6 intr. practise the sport of fencing; use a sword. 7 intr. (foll. by with) evade answering (a person or question). 8 intr. (of a horse etc.) leap fences. sit on the fence remain neutral or undecided in a dispute etc. fenceless adj. fencer n.
[ ME f. DEFENCE ]