Virginia fence

American  

noun

1. snake fence.

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Etymology

Origin of Virginia fence

An Americanism dating back to 1665–75

Example Sentences

This particular cow inhabited a small paddock by the roadside, which was enclosed by a Virginia fence, and contained very little grass, and no provision for shade and shelter.

From The Three Brides, Love in a Cottage, and Other Tales by Durivage, Francis A. (Francis Alexander)

In a large pen or 'corral' built of railroad-ties, in a manner partaking of a Virginia fence, a log-cabin, and a block fortress, were a cage of youthful bears and cages of other animals.

From Caricature and Other Comic Art in all Times and many Lands. by Parton, James

I would go rods out of my way to get around a great bowlder, and come upon a conglomeration of big trees which had tumbled about till they made a Virginia fence fifteen feet high.

From A Pessimist In Theory and Practice by Bird, Frederic Mayer

They will be so much magnified as to present very much the appearance of a Virginia fence.

From Sevenoaks by Holland, J. G. (Josiah Gilbert)

Afterwards, the prevailing fences were log ones, with sometimes a Virginia fence, or else rails slanted over crossed stakes,—and these zigzagged or played leap-frog all the way to the lake, keeping just ahead of us.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 02, No. 08, June 1858 by Various