v.
Pronunciation: ' fend
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English fenden, short for defenden
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1 : DEFEND
2 : to keep or ward off : REPEL ― often used with off < fend off an invader>
3 dialect British : to provide for : SUPPORT
intransitive verb
1 dialect British : to make an effort : STRUGGLE
2 a : to try to get along without help : SHIFT <had to fend for themselves> b : to provide a livelihood