Fence

n. [Abbreviated from defence, q. v.]

1Sense 1. That which fends off attack or danger; a defense; a protection; 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.

2Sense 2. An inclosure about a field; 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.

3Sense 3. Self-defense by the use of the sword; fencing; the art and practice of fencing or sword-play; hence, play at argument, or attack and repartee.

Enjoy your dear wit, and gay rhetoric, That hath so well been taught her dazzling fence. Milton.

Of dauntless courage and consummate skill in fence. Macaulay.

4Sense 4. A receiver of stolen goods, or a place where they are received. Mayhew.

King fence, a fence which encircles a whole estate.—To be on the fence, to be undecided or uncommitted in respect to two opposing parties or policies.

v. t. [imp. & p. p. FENCED (fĕnst); 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. Fencing our doctrine against a contrary theory. I. Taylor. 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 sheep-cote 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.