n. & v.
--n.
1. a barrier or railing or other upright structure enclosing an area of ground, esp. to prevent or control access.
2 a large upright obstacle in steeplechasing or showjumping.
3 sl. a receiver of stolen goods.
4 a guard or guide in machinery.
--v.
1. tr. surround with or as with a fence.
2 tr. a (foll. by in, off) enclose or separate with or as with a fence. b (foll. by up) seal with or as with a fence.
3 tr. (foll. by from, against) screen, shield, protect.
4 tr. (foll. by out) exclude with or as with a fence; keep out.
5 tr. (also absol.) sl. deal in (stolen goods).
6 intr. practise the sport of fencing; use a sword.
7 intr. (foll. by with) evade answering (a person or question).
8 intr. (of a horse etc.) leap fences.
Phrases and idioms:
sit on the fence remain neutral or undecided in a dispute etc.
Derivatives:
fenceless adj. fencer n.
Etymology: ME f. DEFENCE