Fence

fens, n. a wall or hedge for enclosing animals or for protecting land: the art of fencing: defence: a receiver of stolen goods, also a receiving-house.— v.t. to enclose with a fence: to fortify.— v.i. to practise fencing: to conceal the truth by equivocal answers.— adjs. Fenced , enclosed with a fence; Fence′le , without fence or enclosure, open.— n. Fenc′er , one who practises fencing with a sword.— adj. Fenc′ible , capable of being fenced or defended.— n.pl. Fenc′ibles , volunteer regiments raised for local defence during a special crisis: militia enlisted for home service.— p.adj. Fenc′ing , defending or guarding.— n. the act of erecting a fence: the art of attack and defence with a sword or other weapon.— n. Fenc′ing-mas′ter , one who teaches fencing.— Fence the tables , in the ancient usage of Scotland, to debar from partaking in communion those guilty of any known sin.— Sit on the fence , to be still hesitating as between two opinions; Sunk fence , a ditch or water-course. [Abbrev. of defence .]