FENDER

noun Date: 13th century a device that protects: as, a. a cushion (as foam rubber or a wood float) between a boat and a dock or between two boats that lessens shock and prevents chafing, a pile or a row or cluster of piles placed to protect a dock or bridge pier from damage by ships or floating objects, railing , a device in front of locomotives and streetcars to lessen injury to animals or pedestrians in case of collision, a guard over the wheel of a motor vehicle, a low metal frame or a screen before an open fireplace, an oblong or triangular shield of leather attached to the stirrup leather of a saddle to protect a rider's legs, ~ed adjective ~less adjective