■ noun
1》 a barrier enclosing an area, typically consisting of posts connected by wire, wood, etc.
↘a large upright obstacle in steeplechasing, showjumping, or cross-country.
2》 a guard or guide on a plane or other tool.
3》 informal a dealer in stolen goods.
■ verb
1》 surround or protect with a ~.
↘( ~ something in/off ) enclose or separate an area with a ~.
2》 informal deal in (stolen goods).
3》 practise the sport of fencing.
↘conduct a discussion or argument in an evasive way.
Phrases
over the ~ Austral./NZ informal unreasonable or unacceptable.
sit on the ~ avoid making a decision.
Derivatives
~less adjective
~r noun
Origin
ME (in the sense 'de~'): shortening of de~ ; cf. fencible and fend .