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Consult Chambers 21st Century Dictionary, The Chambers Thesaurus (1996) or Chambers Biographical Dictionary (1997 edition with amendments). Enter your search and choose your title from the drop-down menu.
fence noun 1 a barrier eg of wood or wire, for enclosing or protecting land. 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 (also fence something in or off) to enclose or separate it with a fence, or as if with a fence. 2 intrans to practise the art or sport of fencing. 3 to build fences. 4 (usually fence with words) intrans to avoid answering directly. 5 intrans, slang to be a receiver or purchaser of stolen goods. fenceless adj. mend one's fences to improve or restore one's relations, reputation or popularity, especially in politics. sit on the fence to be unable or unwilling to support either side in a dispute, etc.
ETYMOLOGY: 14c: as fens, shortened from defence.
fence noun 1 a barrier eg of wood or wire, for enclosing or protecting land. 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 (also fence something in or off) to enclose or separate it with a fence, or as if with a fence. 2 intrans to practise the art or sport of fencing. 3 to build fences. 4 (usually fence with words) intrans to avoid answering directly. 5 intrans, slang to be a receiver or purchaser of stolen goods. fenceless adj. mend one's fences to improve or restore one's relations, reputation or popularity, especially in politics. sit on the fence to be unable or unwilling to support either side in a dispute, etc.
ETYMOLOGY: 14c: as fens, shortened from defence.
fence noun 1 a barrier eg of wood or wire, for enclosing or protecting land. 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 (also fence something in or off) to enclose or separate it with a fence, or as if with a fence. 2 intrans to practise the art or sport of fencing. 3 to build fences. 4 (usually fence with words) intrans to avoid answering directly. 5 intrans, slang to be a receiver or purchaser of stolen goods. fenceless adj. mend one's fences to improve or restore one's relations, reputation or popularity, especially in politics. sit on the fence to be unable or unwilling to support either side in a dispute, etc.
ETYMOLOGY: 14c: as fens, shortened from defence.
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The Chambers Dictionary (13th edition)
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The Chambers Thesaurus
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Chambers Biographical Dictionary
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Thoroughly revised and updated for its 9th edition.
Consult Chambers 21st Century Dictionary, The Chambers Thesaurus (1996) or Chambers Biographical Dictionary (1997 edition with amendments). Enter your search and choose your title from the drop-down menu.
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