Fence (f&ebreve_;ns), n. [Abbrev. from defence.] 1. That which fends off attack or danger; a defense; a protection; a cover; security; shield.
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Let us be backed with God and with the seas,
Which he hath given for fence impregnable. Shak.
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A fence betwixt us and the victor's wrath. Addison.
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2. An inclosure about a field or other space, or about any object; especially, an inclosing structure of wood, iron, or other material, intended to prevent intrusion from without or straying from within.
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Leaps o'er the fence with ease into the fold. Milton.
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&hand_; In England a hedge, ditch, or wall, as well as a structure of boards, palings, or rails, is called a fence.
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3. (Locks) A projection on the bolt, which passes through the tumbler gates in locking and unlocking.
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4. Self-defense by the use of the sword; the art and practice of fencing and sword play; hence, skill in debate and repartee. See Fencing.
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Enjoy your dear wit, and gay rhetoric,
That hath so well been taught her dazzing fence. Milton.
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Of dauntless courage and consummate skill in fence. Macaulay.
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5. A receiver of stolen goods, or a place where they are received. [Slang] Mayhew.
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Fence month (Forest Law), the month in which female deer are fawning, when hunting is prohibited. Bullokar. -- Fence roof, a covering for defense. “They fitted their shields close to one another in manner of a fence roof.” Holland. -- Fence time, the breeding time of fish or game, when they should not be killed. -- Rail fence, a fence made of rails, sometimes supported by posts. -- Ring fence, a fence which encircles a large area, or a whole estate, within one inclosure. -- Worm fence, a zigzag fence composed of rails crossing one another at their ends; -- called also snake fence, or Virginia rail fence. -- To be on the fence, to be undecided or uncommitted in respect to two opposing parties or policies. [Colloq.]
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Fence (?), v. i. 1. To make a defense; to guard one's self of anything, as against an attack; to give protection or security, as by a fence.
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Vice is the more stubborn as well as the more dangerous evil, and therefore, in the first place, to be fenced against. Locke.
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2. To practice the art of attack and defense with the sword or with the foil, esp. with the smallsword, using the point only.
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He will fence with his own shadow. Shak.
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3. Hence, to fight or dispute in the manner of fencers, that is, by thrusting, guarding, parrying, etc.
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They fence and push, and, pushing, loudly roar;
Their dewlaps and their sides are bat&unr_;ed in gore. Dryden.
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As when a billow, blown against,
Falls back, the voice with which I fenced
A little ceased, but recommenced. Tennyson.
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