DEFINITION
FENCE:
• (n.) That which fends off attack or danger; a defense; a
protection; a cover; security; shield.
• (n.) 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.
• (n.) A projection on the bolt, which passes through the tumbler
gates in locking and unlocking.
• (n.) 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.
• (n.) A receiver of stolen goods, or a place where they are
received.
• (v. t.) To fend off danger from; to give security to; to protect;
to guard.
• (v. t.) To inclose with a fence or other protection; to secure by
an inclosure.
• (v. i.) To make a defense; to guard one's self of anything, as
against an attack; to give protection or security, as by a fence.
• (v. i.) To practice the art of attack and defense with the sword
or with the foil, esp. with the smallsword, using the point only.
• (v. i.) Hence, to fight or dispute in the manner of fencers, that
is, by thrusting, guarding, parrying, etc.