fencing Definition

fence
noun

1. A barrier eg of wood or wire, for enclosing or protecting land.

Thesaurus: barrier, paling, balustrade, backstop, railing, barricade, wall, dike, hedge.
2. A barrier of various designs for a horse to jump.
3. slang
Someone who receives and disposes of stolen goods.
4. A guard to limit motion in a piece of machinery.
5. A guiding device on a circular saw or plane.

verb fenced, fencing

1. To enclose or separate it with a fence, or as if with a fence.

Thesaurus: confine, pen, guard, surround, restrict, secure, enclose, encircle, coop, circumscribe, guard, defend.
Form: fence something in (also)
Form: fence something off
intr
2. To practise the art or sport of fencing.
3. To build fences.
intr
4. To avoid answering directly.

Thesaurus: dodge, parry, hedge, equivocate, cavil, tergiversate, beat around the bush, stonewall, pussyfoot.
Form: fence with words (usually)
intr
5. slang
To be a receiver or purchaser of stolen goods.

Derivative: fenceless
adj

Idiom: mend one's fences

To improve or restore one's relations, reputation or popularity, especially in politics.

Idiom: sit on the fence

To be unable or unwilling to support either side in a dispute, etc.
Thesaurus: be undecided, be uncertain, be uncommitted, be indifferent, be irresolute, be of two minds.

Etymology: 14c: as fens, shortened from defence.

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fencing
noun

1. The art, act or sport of attack and defence with a foil, épée or sabre.
2. Material used for constructing fences.
3. Fences collectively.