n.
- a barrier enclosing an area, typically consisting of posts connected by wire, wood, etc.
▸a large upright obstacle in steeplechasing, showjumping, or cross-country.
- a guard or guide on a plane or other tool.
- informal a dealer in stolen goods.
v.
- surround or protect with a fence.
▸
(fence something in/off)
enclose or separate an area with a fence.
- informal deal in (stolen goods).
- practise the sport of fencing.
▸conduct a discussion or argument in an evasive way.
Phrase
- over the fence
Austral./NZ informal unreasonable or unacceptable. - sit on the fence
avoid making a decision.
Derivative
Etymology
ME (in the sense ‘defence’): shortening of defence; cf. fencible and fend.