/fend/ , v.t.
1. to ward off (often fol. by off ): to fend off blows.
2. to defend.
v.i.
3. to resist or make defense: to fend against poverty.
4. to parry; fence.
5. to shift; provide: to fend for oneself.
[ 1250-1300; ME fenden, aph. var. of defenden to DEFEND ]
Syn. 5. manage, make out, get along.