fencing

[fen-sing]

noun

1. the art, practice, or sport in which an épée, foil, or saber is used for defense and attack.

2. a parrying of arguments; avoidance of direct answers.

   political fencing on important issues.

3. an enclosure or railing.

4. fences collectively.

5. material for fences.

fencing

/ ˈfɛnsɪŋ /

noun

1. the practice, art, or sport of fighting with swords, esp the sport of using foils, épées, or sabres under a set of rules to score points

2. 1. wire, stakes, etc, used as fences

   2. fences collectively

3. skilful or witty debate

4. the avoidance of direct answers; evasiveness

5. slang,  the business of buying and selling stolen property

Word History and Origins

Origin of fencing¹

1425–75; late Middle English fensing safeguarding, maintenance. See fence, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

For now, Barton said there are several plants that can thrive on the island only with fencing surrounding them, including the endemic island tree poppy.

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Green said the cemetery will have a serene and garden-like aesthetic, complete with fencing and a landscaped privacy wall around the perimeter.

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The physical level crossing on High Street has long since been decommissioned and removed, with the gates reportedly finding new use as fencing for a farm.

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“The nets, the wind screens, the fencing is gone,” she said.

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The investigation into DJ General Tool & Wire is ongoing, and police say more arrests are forthcoming in the fencing operation.

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