I. ˈfen(t)s noun
Usage: often attributive
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 -ləs adjective
• fence·less·ness noun
•
- on the fence
II. verb
( fenced ; fenc·ing )
Date: 15th century
transitive verb
1.
a. : to enclose with a fence
b.
(1) : to keep in or out with a fence
(2) : to ward off
2. : to provide a defense for
3. : to sell (stolen property) to a fence
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to practice fencing
b.
(1) : to use tactics of attack and defense resembling those of fencing
(2) : to parry arguments by shifting ground
2. archaic : to provide protection
• fenc·er noun