Webster's English Dictionary

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fence

1. fence \'fen(t)s\ \'fen(t)-sl*s\ n [ME fens, short for defens defense] 
   often attrib  archaic  1: a means of protection : DEFENSE  2: a barrier 
   intended to prevent escape or instrusion or to mark a boundary ; esp : such 
   a barrier made of posts and wire or boards 3: FENCING  4a: a receiver of 
   stolen goods  4b: a place where stolen goods are bought  : in a position of 
   neutrality or indecision  - fence.less aj
2. fence vt 1a: to enclose with a fence  1b1: to keep in or out with a 
   fence  1b2: to ward off  2: to provide a defense for  1a: to practice 
   fencing  1b1: to use tactics of attack and defense resembling those of 
   fencing  1b2: to parry arguments by shifting ground  archaic  2: to provide 
   protection  - fenc.er n