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feminize
femme
femme fatale
femora
femoral
femto-
femur
fen
fence
fence in
fence off
fence sitter
fencerow
fencing
fend
fend for
fend off
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fence

fence [ fenss ]


noun  (plural fenc·es)
Definition:
 
1. enclosing structure: a structure erected to enclose an area and act as a barrier, especially one made of wood or with posts and wire

2. obstacle: a specially constructed obstacle that horses must jump over in a race or as part of a show jumping circuit

3. buyer of stolen goods: somebody who buys stolen goods from thieves and then sells the goods ( slang )

4.  ( archaic )
Same as  fencing (sense 1)




verb  (past and past participle fenced, present participle fenc·ing, 3rd person present singular fenc·es)
Definition:
 
1. transitive verb enclose area with fence: to enclose an area or close a gap by erecting a fence

2. transitive and intransitive verb deal in stolen goods: to buy or sell stolen goods ( slang )

3. intransitive verb fight with sword: to fight using a slender sword, formerly in combat, now as a competitive sport

4. intransitive verb evade questioning: to avoid answering a question
a candidate fencing with the press

5. intransitive verb argue: to engage in repartee or witty argument with somebody

[14th century. Shortening of defense]

fence·less adjective
fenc·er noun

mend fences to restore good relations with a friend or neighbor after a dispute or quarrel

sit or be on the fence to refuse to make a choice between sides in a dispute or contest

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