noun

1. Obsolete a protection; defense
2. a barrier, as of wooden or metal posts, rails, wire mesh, etc., used as a boundary or means of protection or confinement
3. the art of self-defense with foil, saber, or epee; fencing
4. 1. a person who deals in stolen goods
   2. a place where stolen goods are bought and sold

Etymology: ME fens, aphetic for defens, defense

transitive verb fenced, fencing fenc′·ing

1. to enclose, restrict, or hamper with or as with a fence: with in, off, etc.
2. to keep (out) by or as by a fence
3. Archaic to ward off; protect; defend
4. to sell (stolen property) to a fence

intransitive verb

1. to practice the art of fencing
2. to avoid giving a direct reply; be evasive (with); parry
3. to deal in stolen goods