fencen.
/fɛns/, U.S. /fɛns/ a. The action of defending; = defence n. Also, the attitude of self-defence; in to stand at fence.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > defence > [noun] > action or process of defending
defencec1325
fencec1330
defendingc1350
garrisoning1681
covering1812
society > armed hostility > defence > defend [verb (intransitive)] > take or maintain defensive position
to stand at fencec1330
ward1393
guarda1616
c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. Wace (Rolls) 8638 Þen Octa studied in his þought: To stonde to fens auailled nought.
a1400–50 Alexander 4753 For nouthire fondis he to flee ne na fens made.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) xx. 384 That for defalt of fens [1489 Adv. faute off defence] so was To-fruschit in-to placis ser.
a1500 (?c1400) Sir Triamour (Cambr.) (1937) l. 551 He stode at fence ageyn them.
?a1600 Felon Sow of Rokeby in W. Scott Rokeby (1813) p. xci For all the fence that he could make, She gat sword out of hand.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > warrior > defender > [noun]
werea1325
defenderc1325
forfightera1382
defensorc1390
fendera1400
man of fencec1425
defendantc1475
rampire?1549
rampart1567
defensive1634
hyperaspist1638
society > armed hostility > defence > defensive work(s) > castle or fortified building > [noun]
castlea1075
stronghousec1325
motec1390
house of fencec1425
castle of war1441
slot1578
house of war1581
kasbah1738
castellation1858
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > dwelling place or abode > a dwelling > a house > types of house > [noun] > other types of house
houseOE
showernc1175
house of fencec1425
abbey1665
park1750
trust house1751
subhouse1771
hurley-house1814
bure1843
ideal home1854
tholtan1856
picture house1858
village-house1862
tumble-down1866
tree-house1867
mazet1873
riad1881
slaughterhouse1899
whare puni1911
mas1912
social housing1928
quadruplex1939
share house1945
starter home1948
show house1957
painted lady1978
self-build1978
starter1979
Earthship1985
Queenslander1985
des res1986
common house1989
c1425 Wyntoun Cron. ix. xxi. 12 Ðe Hous of fens of Dalwolsy.
1463 in Manners & Househ. Expenses Eng. (1841) 158 Ffusten..ffor to make doblettys off ffence.
1485 Will of John Sharnebourne (P.R.O.: PROB. 11/8) f. 249v Doblette of fence.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) v. l. 1095 Na man of fens is left that hous within.
1516 Will of R. Peke of Wakefield in J. Raine Testamenta Eboracensia (1884) V. 75 All my cottes of fence of manse body.
1555 in Reg. Guild Corpus Christi York (1872) 202 My coote of fenst, and steele cappe.
1664 Floddan Field i. 5 Each house of fence to fortify.
2.
a. The action, practice, or art of fencing, or use of the sword. to make fence: to assume a fencing attitude. Also, master, teacher of fence.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > fencing > [noun]
buckler-playing1468
fence1533
defence1549
noble science1549
buckler-play1575
fencing1581
digladiation1589
sword-play1627
escrime1652
the (noble, also manly) art of self-defence1724
science1729
swordmanship1781
swordsmanship1851
swording1891
sword-work1913
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > fencing > [noun] > fencing-master
master, teacher of fence1533
sa-sa man1607
fencing-mastera1648
pushing master1699
maître d'armes1830
1533 N. Udall Floures for Latine Spekynge (1560) 133 Disciplina gladiatoria, is..the waie of trainyng men in..the schooles that maisters of fence keepe.
1535 in W. H. Turner Select. Rec. Oxf. (1880) 131 Dennys, a poore scholler and a teacher of fence.
1600 W. Shakespeare Much Ado about Nothing v. i. 75 Ile prooue it on his body..Dispight his nice fence . View more context for this quotation
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan i. v. 22 Trusting to the false rules of a master of Fence.
1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth iii, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. I. 92 A man must know his fence, or have a short lease of his life.
1831 Examiner 17/2 He will point his sword at shadows, and make fence at your cat.
1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. IV. 459 A man of..consummate skill in fence.
1863 C. C. Clarke Shakespeare-characters iii. 87 Osric..comes to announce..the wager at fence with Laertes.
b. transferred.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > debate, disputation, argument > [noun]
mootingOE
disputinga1225
mootc1225
sputingc1250
disputisounc1290
arguingc1385
sputisounc1390
debate1393
determinationc1400
luyte1477
disputation1489
dispicion?1510
argumenta1513
plead?a1513
traversing1524
dispicience1531
ruffle1532
debatement1536
argumentationa1538
debating1548
pro et contraa1554
canvassing1565
litigation1567
toil1597
discussion1598
tongue-work1598
agitation1600
canvass1611
fence1637
contestation1638
dispute1638
tongue-fence1643
actitation1661
1637 J. Milton Comus 27 Enjoy your..gay Rhetorick That hath so well beene taught her dazling fence.
1856 C. Merivale Hist. Romans under Empire V. xliv. 152 Fence of tongue was the weapon with which they were to maintain..their honour.
1871 J. S. Blackie Four Phases Morals i. 79 The Sophists were cunning masters of fence.
1883 Contemp. Rev. June 871 That shrewd critic and experienced professor of Parliamentary fence.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > [noun] > means of protection or defence
hornc825
shieldc1200
warranta1272
bergha1325
armour1340
hedge1340
defencec1350
bucklerc1380
protectiona1382
safety1399
targea1400
suretyc1405
wall1412
pavise?a1439
fencec1440
safeguard?c1500
pale?a1525
waretack1542
muniment1546
shrouda1561
bulwark1577
countermure1581
ward1582
prevention1584
armourya1586
fortificationa1586
securitya1586
penthouse1589
palladium1600
guard1609
subtectacle1609
tutament1609
umbrella1609
bastion1615
screena1616
amulet1621
alexikakon1635
breastwork1643
security1643
protectionary1653
sepiment1660
back1680
shadower1691
aegis1760
inoculation1761
buoya1770
propugnaculum1773
panoply1789
armament1793
fascine1793
protective1827
beaver1838
face shield1842
vaccine1861
zariba1885
wolf-platform1906
firebreak1959
c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 155/1 Fence, defence fro enmyes, proteccio, defensio.
1565 J. Jewel Replie Hardinges Answeare xvi. 550 It is thought to be the surest fence, & strongest warde for that Religion, that they should be keapte stil in ignorance.
1627 T. May tr. Lucan Pharsalia (new ed.) ii. 408 His choisest buildings were but fence for cold.
1691 T. Hale Acct. New Inventions 39 To deliver up his Majesty's Ships to the..Worm..wholly unprovided of any Fence against them.
1725 D. Defoe Compl. Eng. Tradesman I. viii. 118 Employment is said to be the best fence against temptations.
1756 T. Nugent tr. C.-L. de S. de Montesquieu Spirit of Laws (1758) I. xii. ii. 261 The subject has no fence to secure his innocence.
4. concrete. That which serves as a defence.† a. Of persons: A bulwark, defence. Obsolete.figurative.1732 T. Lediard tr. J. Terrasson Life Sethos II. vii. 35 Strangers would not believe there was a sufficient fence against crimes.1860 E. B. Pusey Minor Prophets 311 They sin, who first remove the skin..or outward tender fences of God's graces.† c. spec. The tusk of an elephant (= French défense). Also, the involucre of a flower. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > [noun] > protector or defender
shield971
warranta1225
warden?c1225
forhillera1300
inshieldera1300
shieldera1300
weryera1325
hilera1340
witier1340
protectorc1390
guard1412
safeguardera1535
fencec1540
safekeeper1561
parens patriae1764
guardsmana1854
fortifier1878
minder1896
society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > [noun] > opening of court with required formula
fencec1540
fencing1708
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 7363 He was fully the fens..Of all the tulkes of Troy.
1552 Godly Prayers in W. K. Clay Liturg. Services Q. Eliz. (1847) 248 O Lord Jesus Christ, the only stay and fence of our mortal state.
b. Of things: A defence, bulwark. archaic (now with mixture of sense 5).
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > defence > [noun] > means of defence
hornc825
defencec1350
garnisonc1386
wall1412
fencec1440
defensoryc1475
fencing1489
muniment1546
frontier1589
bar1603
c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 155/1 Fence, or defence of closynge (clothynge, P.).
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Luke x. f. 4 I send you forth naked, wythout weapon or fense.
1672 N. Grew Anat. Veg. ii. 61 The Skin is the Fence of the Cortical Body.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics ii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 85 A hilly Heap of Stones above to lay, And press the Plants with Sherds of Potters Clay. This Fence against immod'rate Rain they found.
1700 S. L. tr. C. Frick Relation Voy. in tr. C. Frick & C. Schweitzer Relation Two Voy. E.-Indies 183 [The river] is a mighty Fence to the City Odia.
1726 J. Swift Gulliver II. iv. iv. 54 My whole Body wanted a Fence against Heat and Cold.
1815 W. Scott Lord of Isles iii. xix. 106 Deer-hides o'er them cast, Made a rude fence against the blast.
1838 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece (new ed.) II. 278 They hastily formed a high fence out of the wrecks round the fleet.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > part of plant > reproductive part(s) > flower or part containing reproductive organs > inflorescence or collective flower > [noun] > involucre
fence1727
involucrum1753
involucel1765
involucre1787
involucret1793
cupule1830
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > order Proboscidea (elephants) > [noun] > elephant > parts of > tusk(s)
toothc1050
horn1607
fence1727
scrivello1735
fork1767
1727 P. Longueville Hermit 219 The Fences of an Elephant, and the Tusks of a wild Boar.
1776 W. Withering Brit. Plants (1796) II. 171 Involucrum, or fence, 2 leafits..to each floret.
5.
a. An enclosure or barrier (e.g. a hedge, wall, railing, palisade, etc.) along the boundary of a field, park, yard or any place which it is desired to defend from intruders. sunk fence n. one placed along the bottom of a depression in the ground; sometimes applied to a ditch. Often preceded by a qualifying word, as: gun-, pale-, quick-, ring-, snake-, wire-, etc. fence, for which see those words.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > enclosing or enclosure > [noun] > that which encloses > an enclosing barrier > round land or buildings
fence1512
enclosure1517
range1537
list1581
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > that which or one who closes or shuts > a barrier > [noun] > hedge or fence > a fence
rowa1225
fence1512
fensure1552
hedge1850
the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > preparation of land or soil > ditching or drainage > [noun] > ditch
dikec893
gripa1000
ditch1045
fosselOE
water-furrowlOE
sow1316
furrowc1330
rick1332
sewer1402
gripplec1440
soughc1440
grindle1463
sheugh1513
syre1513
rain?1523
trench1523
slough1532
drain1552
fowsie?1553
thorougha1555
rean1591
potting1592
trink1592
syver1606
graft1644
work1649
by-ditch1650
water fence1651
master drain1652
rode1662
pudge1671
gripe1673
sulcus1676
rhine1698
rilling1725
mine1743
foot trench1765
through1777
trench drain1779
trenchlet1782
sunk fence1786
float1790
foot drain1795
tail-drain1805
flow-dike1812
groopa1825
holla1825
thorough drain1824
yawner1832
acequia madre1835
drove1844
leader1844
furrow-drain1858
1512 in W. H. Stevenson Rec. Borough Nottingham (1885) III. 340 Owre fense be twixe our medo and Wilforth Pastur.
1570 P. Levens Manipulus Vocabulorum sig. Eiv/2 A Fence,..vallum.
1611 Bible (King James) Psalms lxii. 3 As a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence . View more context for this quotation
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis ix, in tr. Virgil Wks. 447 The famish'd Lyon..O'releaps the Fences of the Nightly Fold.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 56. ¶3 This huge Thicket of Thorns and Brakes was designed as a kind of Fence or quick-set Hedge.
1767 A. Young Farmer's Lett. 62 They..keep their fences in admirable repair.
1786 W. Gilpin Cumberland in Observ. Picturesque Beauty I. 136 The lake performing the office of a sunk fence.
1832 Act 2 & 3 William IV c. 64 Sched. O. 1648 That point in a stone fence which is immediately opposite a..pool.
1832 H. Martineau Ireland i. 2 A turf bank, was the best kind of fence used.
1891 J. B. Edge in Law Times 90 395/1 An ordinary fence, consisting of a ditch and a bank.
b. transferred and figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > [noun] > one who or that which hinders > a hindrance, impediment, or obstacle
hinderc1200
withsetting1340
obstaclec1385
traversea1393
mara1400
bayc1440
stoppagec1450
barrace1480
blocka1500
objecta1500
clog1526
stumbling-stone1526
bar1530
(to cast) a trump in (one's) way1548
stumbling-stock1548
hindrance1576
a log in one's way1579
crossbar1582
log1589
rub1589
threshold1600
scotch1601
dam1602
remora1604
obex1611
obstructiona1616
stumbling-blocka1616
fence1639
affront1642
retardance1645
stick1645
balk1660
obstruent1669
blockade1683
sprun1684
spoke1689
cross cause1696
uncomplaisance1707
barrier1712
obstruct1747
dike1770
abatis1808
underbrush1888
bunker1900
bump1909
sprag1914
hurdle1924
headwind1927
mudhole1933
monkey wrench1937
roadblock1945
1639 T. Fuller Hist. Holy Warre i. iii. 4 When the fense of order was broken.
1691 J. Hartcliffe Treat. Virtues 105 Those who have broken through all the Fences of Law.
1714 A. Pope Rape of Lock (new ed.) ii. 17 Oft have we known that sev'nfold Fence [sc. petticoats] to fail.
1761–2 D. Hume Hist. Eng. (1806) V. lxx. 250 To throw down all fences of the constitution.
1823 C. Lamb Christ's Hosp. in Elia 29 Breaking down the stony fences of shame, and awkwardness.
c. Phrases: chiefly U.S. (to stand or sit) on or upon the fence: (to be) undecided in opinion, or neutral in action. (to be) on a person's, the other side of the fence: (to be) on his side, on the side opposed to him. to descend on the right side of the fence: to take the side of the winner. to mend (or look after) one's fences, of a member of Congress: to renew contact with the electors; also, by extension, to make one's peace (with a person). to put one's horse at a fence: to spur him on to leap it. to make a Virginia fence: ‘to walk like a drunken man’ (Lowell Biglow Papers Introd.). over the fence (Australian and New Zealand colloquial), see quot. 1941. See also to rush one's fences at rush v.2 Phrases 3.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > state of uncertainty, suspense > [adjective]
suspensec1440
suspensed1526
on hovec1540
ambiguous1550
staggeringa1577
suspended1576
in suspense1583
halting1585
suspensory1611
suspensive1614
(to stand or sit) on or upon the fence1828
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > absence of prejudice > [adjective] > taking neutral stance
neuter1494
neutral1494
neuter1525
indifferenta1538
neuterlike1556
neutralizing1602
neutralist1648
colourless1793
achromatic1799
uncommitted1814
(to stand or sit) on or upon the fence1828
non-committal1829
non-partisan1843
whitey-brown1892
middle of the road1894
neutralistic1914
value-free1916
value-neutral1929
middle road1951
non-aligned1954
unaligned1961
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > absence of prejudice > be unbiased [verb (intransitive)] > be neutral
to stand neuter1548
to swim between two waters (occasionally also streams)1553
neutrize1609
mediate1612
neutralize1642
(to stand or sit) on or upon the fence1830
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > state of uncertainty, suspense > be in suspense [verb (intransitive)] > suspend judgement or action
suspend1585
to leave in the midst1609
(to stand or sit) on or upon the fence1830
wait for it1930
the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > be irresolute or vacillate [verb (intransitive)]
haltc825
flecchec1300
waverc1315
flickerc1325
wag1387
swervea1400
floghter1521
stacker1526
to be of (occasionally in) many (also divers) minds1530
wave1532
stagger1533
to hang in the wind1536
to waver as, like, with the wind1548
mammer1554
sway1563
dodge1568
erch1584
suspend1585
float1598
swag1608
hoverc1620
hesitate1623
vacillate1623
fluctuate1634
demur1641
balance1656
to be at shall I, shall I (not)1674
to stand shall I, shall I1674
to go shill-I shall-I1700
to stand at shilly-shally1700
to act, to keep (upon), the volanta1734
whiffle1737
dilly-dally1740
to be in (also of, occasionally on) two minds (also in twenty minds, in (also of) several minds, etc.)1751
oscillate1771
shilly-shally1782
dacker1817
librate1822
humdrum1825
swing1833
(to stand or sit) on or upon the fence1848
to back and fill1854
haver1866
wobble1867
shaffle1873
dicker1879
to be on the weigh-scales1886
waffle1894
to think twice1898
to teeter on the brink1902
dither1908
vagulate1918
pern1920
society > society and the community > social relations > party or faction > join or form a party or take sides [verb (intransitive)]
to stand in1555
to fall ina1568
partialize1592
side1609
party1656
to take (also hold) sides1700
(to be) on a person's, the other side of the fence1852
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > support or encouragement > support or encourage [verb (intransitive)] > take someone's part
party1586
seconda1609
to take sides1719
(to be) on a person's, the other side of the fence1852
the world > action or operation > difficulty > opposition > in the face of or in opposition [phrase] > on the opposing side
(to be) on a person's, the other side of the fence1868
society > travel > transport > riding on horse (or other animal) > ride (a horse or other animal) [verb (transitive)] > make (a horse) leap > put at fence
to put one's horse at a fence1887
society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > deliberative, legislative, or administrative assembly > governing or legislative body of a nation or community > [verb (intransitive)] > renew contact as representative
to mend (or look after) one's fences1888
the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > care or heed [verb (intransitive)] > take care > attend to one's interests
to mend (or look after) one's fences1889
the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > succeed or be a success [verb (intransitive)] > join a successful enterprise
to descend on the right side of the fence1891
to climb, hop, jump, etc., on the bandwagon1899
society > society and the community > social relations > party or faction > join or form a party or take sides [verb (intransitive)] > specific
to descend on the right side of the fence1891
society > authority > office > appointment to office > choosing or fact of being chosen for office > election of representative body by vote > proceedings at election > [verb (intransitive)] > electioneer > by specific method
to mend (or look after) one's fences1906
pensioneer1959
society > society and the community > dissent > absence of dissension or peace > bringing about concord or peace > become at peace with each other [verb (intransitive)] > be reconciled to or come to agreement with another
to make peacea1350
compoundc1547
temporize1587
adjust1612
composea1616
accommodate1642
redintegrate1655
to come to1709
to split the difference1713
arrange1796
to mend (or look after) one's fences1959
1737 B. Franklin Drinkers Dict. in Pennsylvania Gaz. 6–13 Jan. 2/1 He makes Virginia Fence.
1828 Richmond Whig 13 Aug. 1/5 There are certain Administration Editors, Editors for a long time on the fence, who occasionally undertake..to sit as censors upon their fatigued and dusty brethren.
1829 R. C. Sands Writings (1834) II. 160 Mr. Spratt..was ‘on the fence’; where, like a wise man, he determined to sit, until he had made up his mind on which side to get off.
1830 Annals of Cleveland No. 316 Now all would-but-dare-not-be-politicians who insist in sitting on the fence, will be amerced a penalty for the same.
1848 J. R. Lowell Biglow Papers 1st Ser. iv. 53 A man represents Not the fellers that sent him, but them on the fence.
1852 H. B. Stowe Uncle Tom's Cabin I. vi. 71 It's allers best to stand Missis' side the fence.
1862 J. R. Lowell Biglow Papers 2nd Ser. ii. i. 67 I mean a kin' o' hangin' roun' an' settin' on the fence.
1863 J. G. Holland Lett. to Joneses v. 80 Any man who would stand upon the fence.
1868 J. T. Trowbridge Three Scouts in Beeton's Boys' Ann. Suppl. i. 4 I judge your sympathies are more on t'other side of the secession fence than on ours.
1887 A. Lang Myth, Ritual & Relig. II. 350 Mr. Morgan..puts his hobby at its highest fence.
1888 Congress. Rec. 16 Aug. 7646/1 [They] are at home seeking renomination or looking after their fences.
1889 A. Barrère & C. G. Leland Dict. Slang Mend fences, to (American), to mend or repair fences for a man is to attend to his interests.
1891 Salisbury in Guardian 28 Jan. 158/2 They gently descended on the right side of the fence.
1906 Forum Apr. 444 An early adjournment of the session is deemed essential in order that the members may go home to mend their fences, as the saying is.
1917 A. Huxley Let. 3 Aug. (1969) 132 As Dean Inge said early in this war, ‘God is sitting on the fence and it is perfectly uncertain on which side He will come down.’
1918 Chrons. N.Z.E.F. 19 July 276/1 ‘It's over the blooming fence,’ he announced... ‘These..bounds. First they put Paris Plage out of bounds.’
1925 A. Huxley Let. 16 Sept. (1969) 253 We shall be looking at things mostly from the Indian side of the fence.
1927 Daily Express 8 Sept. 2/4 The French delegation, which has hitherto been sitting on the fence, has suddenly become exceedingly active.
1937 ‘G. Orwell’ Road to Wigan Pier xii. 243 The fence on which the literary gent sits..is now pinching his bottom intolerably.
1941 S. J. Baker Pop. Dict. Austral. Slang 28 Over the fence, unreasonable, beyond the pale of common-sense or justice.
1949 N. Balchin Sort of Traitors iv. 81 You fight all your life for something and then before you know where you are you're on the other side of the fence fighting against it.
1959 Spectator 21 Aug. 213/3 It is a pity we have not mended our fences with Colonel Nasser.
1966 Times 11 May 13/1 There are still fences to be mended and fingers to be kept in pies.
1970 ‘W. Haggard’ Hardliners viii. 85 It was a thousand pities that Bull's predecessor had been so stupid... There were fences to be mended here and Albert Bull intended to mend them.
6. Technical uses.
a. A guard, guide, or gauge designed to regulate the movements of a tool or machine.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > parts of machines > other parts > [noun] > parts regulating movement or speed
fly1599
screw1617
fence1678
springboard1772
check-chain1805
speeder1847
1678 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. v. 87 These Nails are..to serve for Fences to set and fit each peece into its proper place.
1678 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. v. 75 The Handle should on either side become a Fence to the Tongue.
1678 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. iv. 69 The Fence of the Plow [i.e. a grooving-plane] is set to that distance off the Iron Plate of the Plow that you intend the Groove shall ly off the edge of the Board.
1823 P. Nicholson New Pract. Builder 222 Fence of a Plane.—A guard, which obliges it to work to a certain horizontal breadth from the arris.
1872 J. Richards Wood-working Machinery 185 A long strip or fence passing behind as well as in front of the saw.
b. (See quots.)
ΚΠ
1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. Fence, the arm of the hammer-spring of a gun-lock.
1874 E. H. Knight Pract. Dict. Mech. I. 835/2 Fence (locks), an arm or protection which enters the gates of the tumblers when they are adjusted in proper position and coincidence.
c. A ferrule. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > stick or cane > [noun] > part of
fence1862
the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > covering > wrapping > [noun] > encasing or sheathing > that which > ferrule
virl14..
verrel1483
ferrule1728
virlet1793
fence1862
1862 G. Borrow Wild Wales I. 231 A thin polished black stick..at the end was a brass fence.
7. A state of prohibition. rare exc. attributive; cf. fence-month n., fence-season n., fence-time n. at Compounds 2.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > subjection > prohibition > [noun] > state of prohibition
fence1874
1874 W. Stubbs Constit. Hist. I. xii. 537 [By the Great Charter] all rivers placed in fence [L. in defenso] are thrown open.
8. Thieves' slang.
a. A receiver of stolen goods.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > thief > receiver of stolen goods > [noun]
receiver?a1400
intaker1421
resetterc1430
marker1591
marter1591
fence1699
fencer1699
fencing-cully1699
lock1699
family man1747
locker1753
drop1915
smasher1929
handler1995
1699 B. E. New Dict. Canting Crew
1708 Mem. John Hall 5 The Fence and he, are like the Devil and the Doctor.
1812 Sporting Mag. 39 209 Habberfield..was considered the safest fence about town.
1838 C. Dickens Oliver Twist I. xiii. 199 Ill-treating the boys, you..in-sa-ti-a-ble old fence.
1972 G. F. Newman You Nice Bastard 347 Placer, wholesaler in stolen goods; buyer; fence.
b. A receiving house for stolen goods.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > receiving or possessing stolen goods > [noun] > place where
stalling-ken1567
lock1699
fence-shop1789
soup-shop1799
fence1847
1847 Illustr. London News 22 May 232 The keeper of the ‘fence’ loves to set up in business there.
1848 Punch 14 149 Let M. Galignani rejoice; and let his Bibliothèque..still remain the greatest literary ‘fence’ in Europe.
1863 B. Jerrold Signals of Distress iii. 26 The slums of London—the fences and padding-kens.
9. Scots Law. [ < fence v.] The action of fencing in various senses. Cf. fence v. 8.
ΚΠ
1541 Burgh Rec. Prestwick 2 June (1834) 57 For þe losen of ane fens maid be þe said Allexr. apoun ane wob of Jonat Hunter.
c1575 J. Balfour Practicks 273 The affirmatioun and fence of the court, that na man tak speach upon hand..except the persewar and defender.
Compounds
C1. General attributive.
a. Appositive (in sense 5).
fence-wall n.
ΚΠ
1823 P. Nicholson New Pract. Builder 338 Fence-Wall—A wall used to prevent the encroachment of men or animals.
b. Attributive.
(a) (In sense 2.)
fence-school n.
ΚΠ
1598 R. Barret Theorike & Pract. Mod. Warres i. 7 As one that vseth often the Fence-schooles.
1642 T. Fuller Holy State iv. x. 285 He was diligent in..beating down..the Manicheans, in whose Fence-school he was formerly brought up.
(b) (In sense 4b.)† fence-fabric n. Obsolete
ΚΠ
1609 P. Holland tr. Ammianus Marcellinus Rom. Hist. xxix. ix. 253 The Fence-fabrickes and all devices else requisite for a siege, were in readinesse.
(c) (In sense 5.)
fence-post n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > that which or one who closes or shuts > a barrier > [noun] > hedge or fence > a fence > post-and-rail fence > post
fence-post1792
fencing post1877
1792 Trans. Soc. Promotion Agric., Arts & Manuf. (U.S.) 1 26 Ship-trunnels, fence-posts, mill-cogs and fire-wood.
1853 B. F. Taylor January & June (1871) 13 Life..laid away in ‘Patent Burial Cases’ and fastened to rails and fence-posts.
1874 E. H. Knight Pract. Dict. Mech. I. 836/1 A device..used for driving fence-posts.
1885 H. C. McCook Tenants Old Farm 196 I was standing by a fence-post.
c. Objective (in sense 5).
fence-breaker n.
ΚΠ
1878 E. S. Elwell Boy Colonists 218 He knew [where] Geddes' old horse, our old friend the fence-breaker, was feeding.
fence-breaking n.
ΚΠ
1900 Westm. Gaz. 8 June 4/3 I hope the fence-breaking will be omitted from the programme.
C2. Special combinations.† fence-roof n. Obsolete a roof for defence = Latin testudo.
fence-arbour n. a piece in a combination lock which connects the spindle and the tumblers.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > building and constructing equipment > fastenings > [noun] > lock > combination lock > part of
fence-arbour1902
1902 Encycl. Brit. XXXII. 360/1 A balanced fence arbour.
fence corner n. U.S. (a) one of the four corners of a fenced enclosure; (b) one of the many angles made by a zig-zag rail fence; also attributive.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > enclosing or enclosure > [noun] > an enclosed space or place > an enclosed piece of ground > by a fence or paling > corner of
fence corner1832
1832 J. P. Kennedy Swallow Barn I. xi. 153 He slowly went to the fence corner, and untied his horse.
1846 J. J. Hooper Some Adventures Simon Suggs i. 14 Simon and Bill were in a fence corner very earnestly engaged at ‘seven up’.
1855 Knickerbocker 45 197 Posting himself at night in a fence-corner, he saw her at one end of a hollow log.
1874 E. Eggleston Circuit Rider xxviii. 272 Patty climbed upon a fence-corner.
1876 Daily News 5 Oct. 6/1 He sallies from his siesta in a fence corner.
1901 S. E. White Claim Jumpers iv. 64 It was..not as large as a good-sized rat, quite smaller than our own fence-corner chipmunks of the East.
fence-guards n. (see quot.).
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > workplace > places where raw materials are extracted > mine > [noun] > mouth or top of mine or shaft > rails around
fence-guards1883
1883 W. S. Gresley Gloss. Terms Coal Mining Fence-guards, rails fixed round the mouth of a pit-shaft, to keep people and things from falling in.
fence-jack n. (see quot.).
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > lifting or hoisting equipment > [noun] > jacks
screw1404
scalet1640
German devil1670
Jack1679
screw jack1719
spring-jack1724
jackscrew?1735
crick1775
fence-jack1874
swing-jack1875
wagon-jack1875
windlass-jack1875
truck-jack1877
setter1895
1874 E. H. Knight Pract. Dict. Mech. I. 836/1 Fence-jack, a lever jack adapted for lifting the corner or lock of a worm-fence in order to lay in a new bottom-rail.
fence-line n. (a) = 5; (b) the straight strip of land on which a fence is to be erected.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > land > tract > [noun] > strip > for fence or hedge
plash-pole1614
fence-line1858
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > that which or one who closes or shuts > a barrier > [noun] > hedge or fence > a fence > line of
string1794
fence-line1858
1858 J. A. Warder Hedges & Evergreens ii. 38 Its cheapness..demands its..adoption where fence-lines are to be permanent.
1950 N.Z. Jrnl. Agric. Apr. 336/3 To aid adoption..[of orphan lambs] the [foster-parent] ewes have to be tied to a fenceline.
1961 B. Crump Hang on a Minute Mate 120 They still had to clear the fence line, lay out the material and erect nearly four miles of boundary fence.
1963 N. Hilliard Piece of Land 106 He'd just as soon sleep in a tent along the fence-line.
fence-lizard n. (see quot.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > reptiles > order Squamata (lizards and snakes) > suborder Lacertilia (lizards) > [noun] > family Iguanidae > member of genus Sceloporus (fence-lizard)
swift1530
pine lizard1842
stinging lizard1870
fence-lizard1889
1889 Cent. Dict. Fence-lizard, the common small lizard or swift of the United States.
fence-man n. a gladiator; U.S., one who practises ‘sitting on the fence’, who avoids taking a side in an issue.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > gladiatorial combat > [noun] > gladiator
swordmana1387
sword-player1538
gladiator1541
fence-man1558
fencer1587
sworder1594
Samnite1600
sword-fencer1600
mirmilloner1623
mirmillo1638
mirmillon1656
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > absence of prejudice > [noun] > absence of definite stance > person characterized by
neutralc1449
indifferent1556
neuter1556
neutralist1623
neutralizer1628
interpendent1647
lie-by1675
fence-man1828
straddler1863
non-partisan1868
fence-sitter1905
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > state of uncertainty, suspense > [noun] > refraining from action or decision > person
unresolved1609
suspender1625
fence-man1828
fence-rider1834
fence-sitter1905
1558 N. Grimald tr. Cicero Thre Bks. Duties (new ed.) 98 With hired fencemen he suppressed all Publius Clodius attempts.
1580 C. Hollyband Treasurie French Tong Gladiateur..a maister of Fence, a fence man.
1828 Ohio State Jrnl. 30 Jan. 3/5 It would be well perhaps for him to inform the public as to their politics. How many neutrals, fencemen &c.
1848 N.Y. Herald 14 Oct. (Bartlett 1859) All the fence-men, all the doubters, all the seekers after majorities, will now bustle up.
1889 J. S. Farmer Americanisms at Fence The possessors of highly developed bumps of caution are called fence men; they run with the hare and hunt with the hounds, an operation which receives the equally descriptive name of fence-riding.
fence-month n. (a) originally the time of fawning for deer, a period of about 30 days at the end of June and beginning of July, during which hunting was forbidden; (b) more broadly: the close season for fishing, etc., during the time of breeding, not always being restricted to one month.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > hunting > hunting time > [noun] > close-time
fermison?a1400
fence-month1594
time of gracea1610
fencer-month1699
close season1843
closed season1878
sanctuary1898
close-time-
society > authority > subjection > prohibition > [noun] > state of prohibition > specific
fence-time1546
fence-month1594
fence-season1880
1594 R. Crompton L'Authoritie & Iurisdict. des Courts f. 197 Fence moneth is alwaies xv daies afore Midsomer and xv daies after.
1769 T. Pennant Brit. Zool. (new ed.) III. iv. 245 There is no law for preserving the fish in it during the fence months.
1855 Doran Queens of Eng. II. vii. 117 The bucks were denied, and he himself once shut out, on pretence it was fence month.
fence-play n. †(a) a gladiatorial combat; (b) transferred discussion.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > gladiatorial combat > [noun]
fence-play1579
gladiature1654
gladiatorship1830
gladiatorism1860
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > debate, disputation, argument > [noun] > showing skill or spirit
sword-playing14..
gladiatory1653
parrya1734
sword-play1847
fence-play1878
swordsmanship1886
1579 T. North tr. Plutarch Liues 561 Games..wrestlinges and fence playes.
1878 R. Browning La Saisiaz 25 Passing lightly in review..a certain fence-play-strife.
fence-rail n. U.S. a long, rough rail for fencing, split from a small log.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > that which or one who closes or shuts > a barrier > [noun] > hedge or fence > a fence > post-and-rail fence > rail
kneeling-rail1703
fence-raila1744
split rail1826
slip-rail1827
shoot-rail1856
guard-rail1860
spar1882
rail-
a1744 W. Byrd Journey Land of Eden in Westover MSS (1841) 110 We found the land..very thin of trees, and those that were standing fit for little but fuel and fence-rails.
1814 J. Taylor Arator (ed. 2) 177 Small common fence rails..make folds with less labour..than any I have ever tried.
1853 J. G. Baldwin Flush Times Alabama & Mississippi 110 Buck Jones..seized a fence rail, grasped it in both hands, and..hurled the same.
1872 E. Eggleston End of World xxxviii. 238 I've knowed boys who'd throw a rock at a fence-rail and hit a stump.
1945 Reader's Digest Jan. 53/2 He hewed out 300 fence rails, ten feet long.
ˈfence-ˌrider n. U.S. (see quot. 1920); also figurative = fence-man n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > farm > farmland > management of pasture > [noun] > worker with fences
fence-viewer1661
fence-rider1834
fencer1881
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > state of uncertainty, suspense > [noun] > refraining from action or decision > person
unresolved1609
suspender1625
fence-man1828
fence-rider1834
fence-sitter1905
1834 ‘J. Downing’ Life A. Jackson 91 The fence riders now took courage and jumpt clean off.
1909 R. A. Wason Happy Hawkins 207 I met the foreman o' the E.Z. outfit ridin' into town to see if he couldn't pick up a fence-rider.
1920 J. M. Hunter Trail Drivers of Texas I. 298 The fence rider, also called the ‘line rider’, is employed to ride fences and repair them.
fence-riding n. U.S. ‘sitting on the fence’; avoidance of committing oneself to one or other of two contrary policies.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > absence of prejudice > [noun] > absence of definite stance
neutralitya1513
neutralism1579
neutralizing1643
third place1757
non-committal1833
non-committalism1838
fence-ridinga1859
non-partisanship1875
middle of the road1891
fence-sitting1904
value freedom1959
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > state of uncertainty, suspense > [noun] > refraining from action or decision
suspense1560
suspension1568
fence-ridinga1859
fence-sitting1904
a1859 N.Y. Mirror The dividing line..admits of no fence-riding; the candidate must be on one side or the other.
1868 Congress. Globe 17 July (De Vere) This question is one of clear right and wrong, and there can be no fence-riding, when the rights of four millions of men are at stake.
1889Fence-riding [see fence-man n.]. ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > engine of war > [noun] > movable shed
sow1297
mantel1357
snail1408
vinet1408
whelk1408
circlec1440
barbed-cat1489
mantle1489
mantlet1524
vine1565
tortoise1569
sow-guard1582
penthouse1600
penticle1600
target-roof1601
vinea1601
fence-roof1609
testudo1609
cat-house1614
vineyard1650
tortoiseshell1726
manta1829
cat1833
ram-house1850
tortoise-roof1855
bear1865
1609 P. Holland tr. Ammianus Marcellinus Rom. Hist. xxix. xiv. 372 The Romans..fitted their shields close one to another in manner of a fence-roufe.
fence-row n. U.S. a fence with the row of shrubs and other vegetation which frequently grows up under its protection.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > that which or one who closes or shuts > a barrier > [noun] > hedge or fence > a fence > with undergrowing vegetation
fence-row1842
1842 Amer. Pioneer 1 43 I was alone, clearing out a fence row, about a quarter of a mile from the house.
1855 Trans. Michigan Agric. Soc. 6 144 The fence rows were free from weeds and bushes.
1901 N. L. Britton Man. Flora Northern States 951 Along fence rows in partial shade.
1948 Country Gentleman May 175/2 He had cut the fence rows from the board fence.
fence-season n. a close season or time for fish, swans, etc. (see fence-month n.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > hunting > fishing > [noun] > season > close season
fence-time1546
forbidden time1609
fence-season1880
society > authority > subjection > prohibition > [noun] > state of prohibition > specific
fence-time1546
fence-month1594
fence-season1880
1880 Times 21 Dec. 6/4 To stop..the alleged traffic of salmon during the ‘close’ or ‘fence’ season.
fence-time n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > hunting > fishing > [noun] > season > close season
fence-time1546
forbidden time1609
fence-season1880
society > authority > subjection > prohibition > [noun] > state of prohibition > specific
fence-time1546
fence-month1594
fence-season1880
1546 in T. Stapleton Plumpton Corr. (1839) 251 Ye shall come no time wrong, fence-time then other.
1584 Order Sept. in R. Griffiths Ess. Jurisdict. Thames (1746) 63 Fence..Times, in which these Fishes are not to be taken.
fence-shop n. a shop at which stolen goods are sold.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > receiving or possessing stolen goods > [noun] > place where
stalling-ken1567
lock1699
fence-shop1789
soup-shop1799
fence1847
1789 G. Parker Life's Painter xv. 153 In Field-lane where the handkerchiefs are carried, there are a number of shops, called Fence-shops, where you may buy any number.
fence-sitter n. one who ‘sits on the fence’.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > absence of prejudice > [noun] > absence of definite stance > person characterized by
neutralc1449
indifferent1556
neuter1556
neutralist1623
neutralizer1628
interpendent1647
lie-by1675
fence-man1828
straddler1863
non-partisan1868
fence-sitter1905
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > state of uncertainty, suspense > [noun] > refraining from action or decision > person
unresolved1609
suspender1625
fence-man1828
fence-rider1834
fence-sitter1905
1905 Westm. Gaz. 8 July 1/2 Fence-sitters..are to be shaken out.
1949 J. R. Cole It was so Late 12 Why don't you make up your mind—you fence sitter!
1960 Spectator 7 Oct. 507 One of the Labour Party's most accomplished fence-sitters.
fence-sitting n. the action of ‘sitting on the fence’; also attributive.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > absence of prejudice > [noun] > absence of definite stance
neutralitya1513
neutralism1579
neutralizing1643
third place1757
non-committal1833
non-committalism1838
fence-ridinga1859
non-partisanship1875
middle of the road1891
fence-sitting1904
value freedom1959
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > state of uncertainty, suspense > [noun] > refraining from action or decision
suspense1560
suspension1568
fence-ridinga1859
fence-sitting1904
1904 Westm. Gaz. 11 Feb. 1/3 This situation will..be prolonged until the fence-sitting Unionists..come down on one side or the other.
1905 Westm. Gaz. 5 Mar. 1/2 It is very well to..denounce Mr. Balfour for timidity and fence-sitting.
1956 Ess. in Crit. 6 95 One would have welcomed..less academic fence-sitting.
1959 Times Lit. Suppl. 29 May 322/4 The seminar-paper tends to provide..a fence-sitting indecision.
fence-viewer n. U.S. an officer whose duty it is to see to the erection and maintenance of boundary and highway fences.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > office > holder of office > public officials > [noun] > in U.S.
fence-viewer1661
county commissioner1668
naval officer1702
agent1707
processioner1731
Indian agent1766
processionary1890
trustbuster1893
the world > food and drink > farming > farm > farmland > management of pasture > [noun] > worker with fences
fence-viewer1661
fence-rider1834
fencer1881
1661 in Rec. Early Hist. Boston (1880) IV. 109 Fence viewers: for the necke of land, Richard Withington, [etc.].
1706 Rec. Muddy River & Brookline, Mass. (1875) 92 Voted that John Winchester jun'r & Edward Devotion should serve as Fence viewers.
1771 H. Pelham Let. in Lett. & Papers Copley & Pelham (Mass. Hist. Soc.) (1914) 125 She will apply to the Fence viewers to have the Fences made upp.
1843 ‘R. Carlton’ New Purchase xxii. 209 From Governor down to a deputy constable's deputy and fence-viewer's clerk's first assistant.
1880 Scribner's Monthly Feb. 504 A hare..or..a brown wood wren... These are the fence viewers of the wood lot.
1886 J. Hopkins' Univ. Stud. IV. 20 In 1647, fence viewers were appointed, by whom..every new building had to be approved.
Draft additions 1993
Any one of a number of obstacles set up for a horse to jump over in a competition, race, etc. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > racing or race > horse racing > racecourse > [noun] > obstacles
leap1692
fence1839
water jump1840
flight1851
jump1858
oxer1859
showjump1884
pianoforte jump1908
pianoforte obstacle1909
1839 Bell's Life in London 3 Mar. 3/3 A stiffish fence, composed of posts and rails, topped with gorse, was put up to conciliate those who were ‘longing for another touch at the wall’.
1902 Encycl. Brit. XXIX. 333/2 Natural fences would no doubt be desirable if they could be utilized; but it is obvious that fences must be made up, because when the same hedge is jumped frequently,..gaps would necessarily be made.
1924 G. Brooke Horse-Sense & Horsemanship iv. 34 (caption) His loins and quarters being unhampered are thrown up clear of the fence.
1940 L. MacNeice Last Ditch 15 My wishes turn to violent Horses black as coal... Eager to take the fences That fence about my soul.
1975 Oxf. Compan. Sports & Games 281/1 During successive jump-offs, the fences are reduced to a minimum of two (one spread and one upright).
1987 Sunday Tel. 8 Mar. 10/2 He wanted to see Princess Anne making her racing debut over the fences at Kempton Park.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1895; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
fencev.
/fɛns/, U.S. /fɛns/ 1. intransitive.
a. To practise the use of the foil or sword.
b. To use the sword scientifically either for offence or defence.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > fencing > fence [verb (intransitive)]
playeOE
skirmisha1387
to play at bucklersa1500
swash1556
fencea1616
tilt1699
wrench1771
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > fencing > fence [verb (intransitive)] > use sword scientifically
fencea1616
a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) ii. iii. 14 Alas sir, I cannot fence . View more context for this quotation
1684 R. Howlett School Recreat. 57 Defending your self from the Thrusts or Blows of those you Fence with.
1737 H. Fielding Hist. Reg. 1736 iii. 20 I do a Warrior! I never learnt to fence.
1781 R. B. Sheridan Critic iii, in Wks. (1873) II. 181 Captain, thou hast fenced well!
1829 E. Bulwer-Lytton Disowned 147 I hope you both fence and shoot well.
c. transferred of animals.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > dissent > fighting > fight [verb (intransitive)] > specifically of animals
fence1697
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 106 The bellowing Rivals..fence, they push, and pushing loudly roar. View more context for this quotation
d. figurative. Frequently of a witness: to fence with (rarely trans. to fence), to parry, try to evade (a question).
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > dissent > contention or strife > contend [verb (intransitive)]
winc888
fightc900
flitec900
wraxlec1000
wrestlea1200
cockc1225
conteckc1290
strivec1290
struta1300
topc1305
to have, hold, make, take strifec1374
stightlea1375
debatec1386
batea1400
strugglec1412
hurlc1440
ruffle1440
warc1460
warslea1500
pingle?a1513
contend1529
repugn1529
scruggle1530
sturtc1535
tuga1550
broilc1567
threap1572
yoke1581
bustle1585
bandy1594
tilt1595
combat1597
to go (also shake, try, wrestle) a fall1597
mutiny1597
militate1598
combatizec1600
scuffle1601
to run (or ride) a-tilt1608
wage1608
contesta1618
stickle1625
conflict1628
stickle1647
dispute1656
fence1665
contrast1672
scramble1696
to battle it1715
rug1832
grabble1835
buffet1839
tussle1862
pickeer1892
passage1895
tangle1928
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > debate, disputation, argument > hold discussions about, debate [verb (transitive)] > from mouth to mouth
toss?c1550
bandy1642
branle1654
toss-about1844
fence1887
1665 R. Boyle Occas. Refl. iii. vi. sig. R8 He rather fences with Sin, than is concern'd to Destroy it.
1677 A. Yarranton England's Improvem. 9 The Friends..fence to get all the Estate.
1855 J. L. Motley Rise Dutch Republic (1864) I. 151 For several months..diplomatists fenced among themselves.
1865 T. Carlyle Hist. Friedrich II of Prussia VI. xx. iii. 47 Seldom in the Arena of this Universe..did a Son of Adam fence better for himself.
1880 A. W. Kinglake Invasion of Crimea (ed. 4) VI. v. 175 The gallant French..could only fence with an evil so great.
1887 A. Jessopp Arcady vi. 181 The question he seemed disposed to fence with.
1890 Standard 22 Feb. 5/2 The Chairman..ought..to be able to overcome the tendency to ‘fence’ awkward questions.
2. transitive. (Const. against, from.) To screen, shield, protect:
a. the body, or a part of it.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > protect or defend [verb (transitive)] > by interposing
to stand before ——c1275
closec1430
fence1549
bestride1579
1549 J. Olde tr. Erasmus Paraphr. 2 Cor. vi. 7 On euery syde surely fensed with the armoure of iustice.
1581 R. Mulcaster Positions xxvii. 105 The arme in this [sc. arm ball] is fensed with a wodden brace.
1586 A. Day Eng. Secretorie i. sig. K5 His pined corpes, whom furres must fence from the least blast of cold.
1611 Bible (King James) 2 Sam. xxiii. 7 The man..must be fenced with yron. View more context for this quotation
1650 T. Fuller Pisgah-sight of Palestine i. v. 11 All fishes in armour, fenced with shels.
1692 J. Ray Wisdom of God (ed. 2) ii. 101 The extremities of their Toes were fenc'd with Hoofs.
1826 M. R. Mitford Our Village II. 13 The wheelwright's daughter..is running down the street with an umbrella..to fence their lodger..from the ill effects of a summer shower.
1876 R. D. Blackmore Cripps (1877) v. 27 With one hand fencing her forehead.
b. a building, locality, esp. from weather or wind.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > protect or defend [verb (transitive)]
shieldc825
frithc893
werea900
i-schield971
berghOE
biwerec1000
grithc1000
witec1000
keepc1175
burghena1225
ward?c1225
hilla1240
warrantc1275
witiec1275
forhilla1300
umshadea1300
defendc1325
fendc1330
to hold in or to warrantc1330
bielda1350
warisha1375
succoura1387
defencea1398
shrouda1400
umbeshadow14..
shelvec1425
targec1430
protect?1435
obumber?1440
thorn1483
warrantise1490
charea1500
safeguard1501
heild?a1513
shend1530
warrant1530
shadow1548
fence1577
safekeep1588
bucklera1593
counterguard1594
save1595
tara1612
target1611
screenc1613
pre-arm1615
custodite1657
shelter1667
to guard against1725
cushion1836
enshield1855
mind1924
buffer1958
the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > refuge or shelter > seek (refuge) [verb (transitive)] > shelter > shelter from weather
fence1577
shelter1590
weather-fenda1616
shade1845
weather-fencea1850
weather-guard1885
1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry i. f. 12v I lay my corne vpon a fayre floore, closely fenced and seeled against Mise.
1582 R. Hakluyt tr. G. da Verrazzano in Diuers Voy. sig. A*4v Wee rode at Anker in a place well fensed from the winde.
1650 T. Fuller Pisgah-sight of Palestine ii. i. 60 [Jordan] is fenced by its own breadth and depth against all Passengers.
1705 J. Addison Remarks Italy 7 A spacious Harbour..Fenc'd to the West.
1757 tr. J. G. Keyssler Trav. III. 253 This city is fenced from the violence of the waves by several small islands.
1810 W. Scott Lady of Lake i. 31 Moss..and leaves combined To fence each crevice from the wind.
1841 G. P. R. James Brigand ii The kitchen was well fenced from the wind and rain.
c. gen. in material or immaterial sense.
ΚΠ
?1510 T. More tr. G. F. Pico della Mirandola Lyfe I. Picus sig. b.viv Fencyng my selfe with the crucifix.
1553 T. Wilson Arte of Rhetorique 57 Every creature livyng should fense it self against outward violence.
1595 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 3 ii. vi. 75 Wheres captaine Margaret to fence you now?
1602 W. Fulbecke Pandectes 16 By the continuall practise of nations..the right of Primogeniture..is fenced, supported and defended.
1639 T. Fuller Hist. Holy Warre iii. iii. 113 Fensing his former villanies by committing new ones.
1687 J. Scott Christian Life: Pt. II (ed. 2) II. vii. 378 Another of those Ministries..is to Fence and Cultivate its Peace and good Order.
1692 J. Washington tr. J. Milton Def. People Eng. ii. 19 We may fence our selves against the latter [sc. open enemies].
1850 J. S. Blackie tr. Æschylus Lyrical Dramas II. 160 Fence every gate with valiant-hearted men.
1884 Ld. Tennyson Becket iii. iii. 143 He fenced his royal promise with an if.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > defence > defend [verb (transitive)] > equip for defence
fortify1548
ingarnisha1578
fence?1579
harden1958
?1579 Woorthie Enterprise I. Foxe in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations (1589) i. 150 A shippe..well fensed with Munitions.
ΚΠ
1676 W. Temple Let. to Sir E. Dearing in Wks. (1731) II. 357 I made use of this Circumstance to fence against this Resolution of the States.
1692 J. Ray Wisdom of God (ed. 2) i. 140 Feathers very thick set upon their Breasts..to fence against the Cold of the Water.
1702 A. Charlett in Pepys' Diary VI. 246 The relapse of which I must fence against.
1709 J. Swift Project Advancem. Relig. 53 The common Prudence of Mankind..is in no Sort able to fence against them.
1765 L. Sterne Life Tristram Shandy (ed. 2) I. Ded. Epist. sig. A2 I live in a constant endeavour to fence against the infirmities of ill health.
5. transitive. To keep out, ward off, repel. Said both of persons and things. Also to fence off, to fence out. Often with mixture of sense 6. archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > escape > escape from [verb (transitive)] > ward off harm
withhold13..
defendc1330
to bear offc1380
withstand1398
shielda1400
repela1450
to keep off1548
repulse1560
warda1586
fence1589
shelter1621
ward1759
fend-off1830
to fend back1877
society > authority > subjection > prohibition > prohibit [verb (transitive)] > debar (a person)
forbarc1330
shutc1400
debarc1430
repel1480
abara1504
abridge1523
seclude?1531
bar1551
fence1589
bebar1650
limit1722
to shut out1819
stop-list1949
1589 R. Greene Ciceronis Amor 55 A cloake of gray fencst the raine.
1639 T. Fuller Hist. Holy Warre i. ix. 14 The Bosporus was too narrow a ditch..to fense the Pagans out of West-Christendome.
1643 J. Burroughes Expos. Hosea (1652) viii. 285 They fenced off thy word as with a shield.
c1710 C. Fiennes Diary (1888) 130 These high banks are made to..ffence out ye water.
1725 D. Defoe New Voy. round World ii. 170 They had..no Bows to fence off the Waves.
1748 W. Shenstone School-mistress viii, in R. Dodsley Coll. Poems (ed. 2) I. 250 A russet kirtle fenc'd the nipping air.
1785 W. Paley Moral & Polit. Philos. (1818) II. 342 Government is well warranted in fencing out the whole sect from situations of trust and power.
1816 W. Scott Old Mortality vi, in Tales of my Landlord 1st Ser. III. 118 A cup of sack shall fence the cold.
6. absolute.1892 Midland News 4 Mar. 6 We must fence more, and we shall be..independent of herds.figurative.1751 Bp. G. Burnet & T. Williamson tr. T. More Utopia 110 The minds of the Utopians when fenced with a love for Learning.1763 C. Churchill Conference 16 Thy Writings so well fenc'd in Law.1841–8 F. Myers Catholic Thoughts II. iv. §26. 306 The Jews were..fenced against communion with them.1843 H. Rogers Ess. (1860) III. 46 Vincentius..takes care..to fence his proposition with..limitations.1870 R. W. Emerson Society & Solitude 170 The men themselves were..fenced by etiquette.1910 W. M. Raine Bucky O'Connor 215 Alice Mackenzie might have searched the west..and not found..two such riders..as fenced her that day.† d. Of a thing: To serve as a fence for. Obsolete.
a. transitive. To surround with or as with a fence (see fence n. 4, 5); to enclose, fortify, protect.In quot. 1910: (U.S.) to ride on either side of.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > protect or defend [verb (transitive)] > secure or protect
fence1435
munite1533
fortress1542
entrench1559
bulwark1610
antidote1630
retrench1705
vaccinate1809
inoculate1863
immunize1903
the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > enclosing or enclosure > enclose [verb (transitive)] > with a fence or hedge
haya1050
frith1377
hain14..
hedgea1425
fence1435
tinec1440
bara1500
mound1515
fence1535
teen1616
mile1655
picket1745
ring-fence1761
zariba1885
society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > building or providing with specific parts > build or provide with specific parts [verb (intransitive)] > surround with fence
fence1435
1435 in W. H. Stevenson Rec. Borough Nottingham (1883) II. 355 Thay to fens it [Est Croft] ham selfe at thayre awne coste.
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) II. f. cxi Ye Englysshe hoste..was myghtely Fensyd with wood and tryes.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Ezek. xxxvi. 35 The..broken downe cities, are now stronge and fensed agayne.
1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil First Foure Bookes Æneis ii. 31 What fort were best to be fenced?
1611 Bible (King James) Isa. v. 2 Hee fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof. View more context for this quotation
1631 T. May tr. J. Barclay Mirrour of Mindes ii. 39 The lands of priuate men..were fenced with ditches.
1650 T. Fuller Pisgah-sight of Palestine iii. 317 Their roofs were flat and fenced with battlements.
1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 173 Well fenc'd either with Hedge or Pale.
1793 Trans. Soc. Arts (ed. 2) 4 4 Which are all fenced with a good stone wall.
1832 E. Bulwer-Lytton Eugene Aram I. i. i. 5 The greater part of them fenced also from the unfrequented road a little spot.
b. with about, in, round, up. to fence off: to keep off by a fence. Also absol.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > defence > defensive work(s) > fortify [verb (transitive)]
fastenOE
enfirm1297
ofstrengthc1325
strengthc1325
warnc1330
ward1340
warnestorec1374
abattlec1380
embattlec1380
fortify1436
bulwark1450
strengthen1450
bastille1480
enstrength1483
rempare1525
munite1533
fence1535
force1535
ranforce1547
rampire1550
fort1559
ramforce1570
fortificate1575
refortify1579
ensconce1590
munify1596
sconce1598
renforce1602
harness1611
munish1633
tackle1645
schanze1901
the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > enclosing or enclosure > enclose [verb (transitive)]
beloukOE
pind?c1225
closec1275
beshuta1300
to shut about13..
umbclosec1330
to close about1340
aclosec1350
in close1393
enclose?a1400
tinec1400
concludea1425
includec1425
wallc1430
underclosec1440
inclusea1450
hedgec1500
lista1513
inrail1523
interclude1524
fence1535
parclose1535
riba1547
pale1570
impale1579
embay1582
immure1583
upclosec1590
enchase1591
interclose1592
recinct1598
underfong1599
intermure1606
bound1609
engirt1627
bosom1637
infence1652
cancellate1664
circumclude1677
embosomc1750
comprehend1807
the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > enclosing or enclosure > enclose [verb (transitive)] > with a fence or hedge
haya1050
frith1377
hain14..
hedgea1425
fence1435
tinec1440
bara1500
mound1515
fence1535
teen1616
mile1655
picket1745
ring-fence1761
zariba1885
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > close or shut [verb (transitive)] > close by obstruction or block up > block the way or a passage
forsetc900
withseta1300
stop13..
speara1325
withsperre1330
to stop one's way1338
shut1362
forbara1375
beseta1400
stopc1400
precludea1513
interclude1526
to shut up1526
forestall1528
fence1535
hedge1535
quar1542
foreclose1548
forestop1566
to flounder up1576
obstruct1578
bar1590
retrench1590
to shut the door in (also upon) (a person's) face1596
barricade1606
barricado1611
thwartc1630
blocka1644
overthwart1654
rebarricado1655
to choke up1673
blockade1696
embarrass1735
snow1816
roadblock1950
1535 Bible (Coverdale) 2 Chron. xiv. 7 Let vs buylde vp these cities, and fense them rounde aboute with walles.
1611 Bible (King James) Job xix. 8 Hee hath fenced vp my way. View more context for this quotation
1615 G. Sandys Relation of Journey 100 Which makes the countrey people to fence in those places.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iv. 697 On either side Acanthus..Fenc'd up the verdant wall. View more context for this quotation
1697 W. Dampier New Voy. around World viii. 222 These leaves are fenced round with strong Prickles above an inch long.
1713 R. Steele Englishman No. 3. 15 His Property is fenced about with Laws and Privileges.
1822 ‘B. Cornwall’ Let. Boccaccio v Her dwelling was Fenced round by trees.
1869 R. B. Smyth Gold Fields Victoria 610 Fencing in a Claim, making a drive round the boundaries of an alluvial claim to secure the wash-dirt.
1877 E. R. Conder Basis of Faith viii. 349 It will be difficult to fence in securely on the side of Pantheism.
c. To part off by a fence or fences. In quot. 1881 figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition or fact of being interjacent > be or make interjacent [verb (transitive)] > partition or form a partition
sever1422
part1458
intercept1662
intersect1785
split1795
partition1818
screen1850
fence1881
1881 C. De Kay Vision of Nimrod ii. 9 Nation I fenced from nation.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > close or shut [verb (transitive)] > shut up (a place) > with a barrier, fence, etc. > serve as a fence for
fence?1523
?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. xxxixv If it [sc. the ditch] be fyue fote brode, than it..wold..fence it selfe, and lower hedge woll serue.
7. intransitive. Of a horse: To leap a fence.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > family Equidae (general equines) > habits and actions of horse > [verb (intransitive)] > leap or prance > jump over obstacle
to take in one's stride1832
fence1884
1884 A. Watson in Longman's Mag. 3 611 What he lacks in speed is..compensated for by the cleverness with which he fences.
1891 Field 7 Mar. 338/1 Harlequin and Fast Day went to the front..the way they fenced was a treat to see.
8. transitive (Scots Law.)† d. Hence, to fence a band: to make a league (Latin ferīre fœdus). Obsolete. rare.
a. To open the proceedings of (the Parliament or a Court of Law) by the use of a form of words forbidding persons to interrupt or obstruct the proceedings unnecessarily.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > [verb (transitive)] > open proceedings with specific formula
fencec1565
defend?a1600
society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > deliberative, legislative, or administrative assembly > governing or legislative body of a nation or community > procedure of parliament or national assembly > [verb (transitive)] > open proceedings
fencec1565
defend?a1600
c1565 R. Lindsay Hist. & Cron. Scotl. (1728) 199 The Queen..stayed till the Parliament was fenced.
c1600 Diurnal of Remarkable Occurrents (1833) 214 He post to William Pikis hous..and thair fensit the Parliament.
1609 J. Skene tr. Regiam Majestatem 158 The Court sould be fensed.
1637 S. Rutherford Lett. (1863) I. 198 I know not if this court kept within my soul be fenced in Christ's name.
c1650 J. Spalding Memorialls Trubles Scotl. & Eng. (1850) I. 228 The parliament is fensit.
1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian ix, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. II. 226 They wunna fence the court.
b. To prohibit by law, edict, or proclamation.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > subjection > prohibition > prohibit [verb (transitive)] > proscribe or interdict > by proclamation
fence1596
proclaim1888
1596 Burgh Rec. Glasgow 6 Aug. (1876) I. 180 Bot to fens the same fra doing thairof.
c. To poind or arrest for debt.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > general proceedings > legal seizure or recovery of property > [verb (transitive)] > seize for debt > seize debtor's goods
pound1398
poindc1430
stress?c1430
pind1437
distressc1450
strain1455
strain1503
distrain1530
fence1570
excuss1726
naam1895
1570 Burgh Rec. Prestwick 20 Nov. (1834) 72 For this geyr..quhilk was fencet in his hand be Jhone Ondirwood officer.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > rule or government > politics > international politics or relations > international agreements > [verb (intransitive)] > enter into alliance
ally?a1400
confederc1460
to fence a band1533
alliance1569
to enter league1578
confederate1591
leaguea1649
1533 J. Bellenden tr. Livy Hist. Rome (1822) i. 41 Commandis you me to fens ane band with the Fader-Patrate of Albane pepill?
9. In the Scottish Presbyterian Churches: to fence the tables: to deliver an exhortation calculated to deter unworthy persons from communicating.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > excommunication > excommunicate [verb (intransitive)] > deliver exhortation calculated to bring about
to fence the tables1709
1709 W. Steuart Coll. & Observ. Church Scotl. ii. iv. 140 He fenceth and openeth the Tables.
1833 Fraser's Mag. 8 406 The objurgation, or fencing the tables, was concluded.
1879 Jamieson's Etymol. Dict. Sc. Lang. (new ed.) at Bicker-raid A clergyman in fencing the tables at a sacrament, debarred all who had been guilty of [etc.].
1882 G. W. Sprott Worship Ch. Scot. iii. 109 This address came to be popularly known as the Fencing of the Table..its most prominent feature came to be a series of debarrations beginning thus: ‘I debar from the Table of the Lord’ such and such a class.
10. To close for hunting or fishing (a forest, river, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > close or shut [verb (transitive)] > shut up (a place) > with a barrier, fence, etc.
hedgea1425
stakea1500
to rail offc1500
stake1598
chain1603
rope1621
fence1767
hurdle1770–4
barrier1776
traverse1828
ward1842
stone1889
1767 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. (new ed.) II. 39 The rivers that were fenced..were directed to be laid open.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > machine tool > operate machine tool [verb (transitive)] > guide
fence1678
1678 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. v. 87 Should you not thus Fence them..one Peece being never so little out of its due position would drive the next peece more out.
12. slang.
a. To purchase or sell with guilty knowledge (stolen goods). Also absol.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > receiving or possessing stolen goods > receive stolen goods [verb (transitive)]
receivec1430
reset1565
receiptc1600
fence1610
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > receiving or possessing stolen goods > receive or possess stolen goods [verb (intransitive)]
reset1817
fence1840
handle1977
1610 S. Rid Martin Mark-all sig. Cij/2 To fence property [printed properly], to sell anything that is stolne.
1789 G. Parker Life's Painter xv. 153 Fenced. Is disposing of any thing stolen for a quarter of the value.
1819 J. H. Vaux Memoirs I. xii. 141 He knew where to fence the book.
1840 F. Marryat Poor Jack xviii. 128 Does old Nanny fence..?
b. To spend or lay out (money).
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > management of money > expenditure > spend [verb (transitive)]
aspendc885
doOE
spendc1175
spenec1175
dispendc1330
bewarec1374
bestow1377
suckc1380
unpursea1393
warea1417
stowc1440
to lay outc1449
spone1456
expend1477
expend1484
impendc1486
ware?a1513
deburse?1529
disburse1530
defray1543
unburse1570
outlay1573
to lay forth1584
sweat1592
vent1612
dispursea1616
exhaust1616
to set forth1622
waste1639
depursea1648
fence1699
douse1759
shut1797
shift1923
1699 B. E. New Dict. Canting Crew Fence, to Spend or Lay out. Fence his Hog, to Spend his Shilling.
1725 in New Canting Dict.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1895; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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