Main Entry:

¹fence

Pronunciation:

\ˈfen(t)s\

Function:

noun

Usage:

often attributive

Etymology:

Middle English fens, short for defens defense

Date:

14th century

1archaic : a means of protection : defense2 a: a barrier intended to prevent escape or intrusion or to mark a boundary ; especially : such a barrier made of posts and wire or boards b: an immaterial barrier or boundary line <on the other side of the fence in the argument>3: fencing 14 a: a receiver of stolen goods b: a place where stolen goods are bought

— fence·less \-ləs\ adjective

— fence·less·ness noun

— on the fence

: in a position of neutrality or indecision