FENCE


Meaning of FENCE in English

n.

Pronunciation: ' fen(t)s

Function: noun

Usage: often attrib

Etymology: Middle English fens, short for defens defense

Date: 14th century

1 archaic : a means of protection : DEFENSE

2 a : a barrier intended to prevent escape or intrusion or to mark a boundary especially : such a barrier made of posts and wire or boards b : an immaterial barrier or boundary line <on the other side of the fence in the argument>

3 : FENCING 1

4 a : a receiver of stolen goods b : a place where stolen goods are bought

– fence · less \ -l ə s \ adjective

– fence · less · ness noun

– on the fence : in a position of neutrality or indecision

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.