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| fence [ fenss ] |
noun (plural fenc·es) |
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| Definition: |
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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
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2. obstacle: a specially constructed obstacle that horses must jump over in a race or as part of a show jumping circuit
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3. buyer of stolen goods: somebody who buys stolen goods from thieves and then sells the goods
(
slang
)
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4.
(
archaic
)
Same as fencing (sense 1)
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verb (past and past participle fenced, present participle fenc·ing, 3rd person present singular fenc·es) |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive verb enclose area with fence: to enclose an area or close a gap by erecting a fence
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2. transitive and intransitive verb deal in stolen goods: to buy or sell stolen goods
(
slang
)
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3. intransitive verb fight with sword: to fight using a slender sword, formerly in combat, now as a competitive sport
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4. intransitive verb evade questioning: to avoid answering a question
  a candidate fencing with the press
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5. intransitive verb argue: to engage in repartee or witty argument with somebody
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| [14th century. Shortening of defense] |
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| fence·less adjective |
| fenc·er noun |
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mend fences to restore good relations with a friend or neighbor after a dispute or quarrel
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sit or be on the fence to refuse to make a choice between sides in a dispute or contest
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