n. That which fends off; anything that restrains entrance, or defends from attack, approach, or injury; defense; guard.n. An inclosure round a yard, field, or other tract of ground, or round or along the sides of any open space, as part of a large room, a bridge, etc.n. A guard, guide, or gage designed to regulate or restrict the movement of a tool or machine.n. An arm or a projection in a lock which enters the gates of the tumblers when they are adjusted in proper position and coincidence, and at other times prevents such movement of the dog or other obstructing member as would allow the bolt to be retracted.n. The arm of the hammer-spring of a gun-lock.n. The art of self-defense, especially by the sword; fencing; skill in fencing or sword-play; hence, skill in argument and repartee, especially adroitness in defending one's position and baffling an opponent's attacks.n. A purchaser or receiver of stolen goods; the keeper of a place for the purchase or reception of stolen goods, or the place itself.n. An inclosure in which fish are dried, cured, and prepared.To defend; guard; hem in.To obstruct approach to; divide off.To inclose with a fence, as a wall, hedge, railing, or anything that prevents or might prevent entry or egress; secure by an inclosure.To parry or thrust aside as if by fencing: with off.To raise a fence; provide a guard.To practise the art of fencing; use a sword or foil for the purpose of self-defense, or of learning the art of attack and defense.To fight and defend by giving and avoiding blows or thrusts.Figuratively, to parry arguments or strive by equivocation to baffle an examiner and conceal the truth, as a dishonest witness.To deposit stolen property.
