fence lizard

noun

1. either of two spiny lizards, Sceloporus undulatus and S. occidentalis, of the U.S. and northern Mexico, often seen on fences.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fence lizard¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

The fence lizard, a scaly alligator looking chap, is just as useful but never gets tame.

From Project Gutenberg