[fend] vb [ME fenden, short for defenden] vt (14c) 1: defend
2: to keep or ward off: repel--often used with off 3 dial Brit: to provide for: support ~ vi 1 dial Brit: to make an effort: struggle
2. a: to try to get along without help: shift "had to ~ for themselves" b: to provide a livelihood
[2]fend n (1721) chiefly Scot: an effort or attempt esp. for oneself