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

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

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

Early last year, vandals breached fencing, climbed dozens of flights of stairs and painted bold, colorful graffiti on the exterior of three unfinished high-rises that make up the abandoned Oceanwide Plaza development.

From Los Angeles Times