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

The district said maintenance responsibilities were transferred back to the district early this year, when temporary fencing was installed “to protect the monument moving forward.”

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The first 2028 Paralympic medals will be awarded on Aug. 16 in para track and field, wheelchair fencing, shooting para sport, para equestrian and para cycling track.

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Wearing red jumpsuits and carrying sledgehammers, they used a prison van, allegedly driven by Charlotte Head, to crash through security fencing, before then breaking into the factory itself, the court heard.

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Crucially, a new pedestrian-friendly entryway has been constructed, alongside welcoming podium signage with fencing and pole banners that gaily announce the museum to the public.

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Sumchai, medical director of the biomonitoring foundation, said she has observed large stockpiles of contaminated soil held in areas without any protective fencing to prevent contaminants from spreading off site.

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