fence
A fence is defined as a barrier used for protection or to create a boundary.
(noun)An example of a fence is a two foot wooden barrier around a person's front yard.
The definition of a fence is a dealer of stolen goods.
(noun)An example of a fence is a person at the flea market selling stolen car stereos.
Fence means to use bladed weapons for sport or fighting.
(verb)An example of to fence is how the character Inigo Montoya from the movie The Princess Bride fought his battles.
See fence in Webster's New World College Dictionary
noun
- Obsolete a protection; defense
- a barrier, as of wooden or metal posts, rails, wire mesh, etc., used as a boundary or means of protection or confinement
- the art of self-defense with foil, saber, or epee; fencing
- a person who deals in stolen goods
- a place where stolen goods are bought and sold
Origin: ME fens, aphetic for defens, defense
transitive verb fenced, fencing
- to enclose, restrict, or hamper with or as with a fence: with in, off, etc.
- to keep (out) by or as by a fence
- Archaic to ward off; protect; defend
- to sell (stolen property) to a fence
intransitive verb
- to practice the art of fencing
- to avoid giving a direct reply; be evasive (with); parry
- to deal in stolen goods
Related Forms:
- fenceless adjective
See fence in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
- A structure serving as an enclosure, a barrier, or a boundary, usually made of posts or stakes joined together by boards, wire, or rails.
- The art or sport of fencing.
- a. One who receives and sells stolen goods.b. A place where stolen goods are received and sold.
- Archaic A means of defense; a protection.
- To enclose with or as if with a fence. See Synonyms at enclose.
- To separate or close off by or as if by means of a fence.
- a. To ward off; keep away.b. To defend.
- To sell (stolen goods) to a fence.
- To practice the art or sport of fencing.
- To use tactics similar to the parry and thrust of fencing.
- To avoid giving direct answers; hedge.
- To act as a conduit for stolen goods.
Origin:
Origin: Middle English fens
Origin: , short for defens, defense; see defense
.Related Forms:
- fencˈer noun
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