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.
Vice is the more stubborn as well as the more dangerous evil, and therefore, in the first
place, to be
fenced against.
Locke. 2. To practice the art of attack
and defense with the sword or with
the foil, esp. with the smallsword, using the point only.
He will fence with his own shadow.
Shak.
3. Hence, to fight or dispute in the manner of
fencers, that is, by thrusting, guarding,
parrying, etc.
They fence and push, and, pushing, loudly roar;
Their dewlaps and their sides are bat&?;ed in gore.
Dryden. As when a billow, blown against,
Falls back, the voice with which I
fenced
A little
ceased, but recommenced.
Tennyson.
Fence , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fenced (&?;); p. pr. & vb. n. Fencing (?).]
1. To fend off danger from; to give security to; to protect; to guard.
To fence
my ear against thy
sorceries.
Milton. 2. To inclose with a fence
or other protection; to secure by an
inclosure.
O thou wall! .
. . dive in the earth,
And fence not Athens.
Shak.
A sheepcote fenced about with olive trees.
Shak. To fence the
tables (Scot. Church), to make a solemn
address to those who present themselves to commune at
the Lord's supper, on the feelings appropriate to the service, in order to hinder, so far as possible, those who are unworthy from approaching the table. McCheyne.
Fence (?), n. [Abbrev.
from defence.]
1. That which fends off attack or danger; a defense; a protection; a cover; security; shield.
Let us be backed with God and with
the seas,
Which he hath given
for fence impregnable.
Shak.
A fence betwixt us and the victor's wrath.
Addison.
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.
Leaps o'er the fence with ease into the fold.
Milton. &fist; In England a hedge, ditch, or wall, as well
as a structure of boards, palings,
or rails, is called a fence.
3. (Locks) A projection on the bolt, which passes through the tumbler gates in locking and unlocking.
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.
Enjoy your dear wit, and
gay rhetoric,
That hath so
well been taught her dazzing fence.
Milton.
Of dauntless
courage and consummate skill in fence.
Macaulay. 5. A receiver of stolen goods, or a place where they are received. [Slang]
Mayhew.
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.]
Hear it pronounced