worm fence

American  

noun

1. Chiefly Midland U.S. snake fence.

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Etymology

Origin of worm fence

An Americanism dating back to 1645–55

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

worm fence

A "worm" fence at a little distance scattered beneath the fire, and as he looked up he saw the long rails flying across the field.

From The Battle Ground by Ellen Anderson Gholson Glasgow

The fences were of various descriptions: hedge, wicker, some few pannel, and the old fashioned zig-zag, known as the "Virginia worm fence"—the hedge and worm fence being the most common.

From The Condition, Elevation, Emigration, and Destiny of the Colored People of the United States by Martin Robison Delany

There seemed an enemy behind every bush, a rebel in every corner of the worm fence.

From The Continental Monthly, Vol 6, No 5, November 1864 Devoted To Literature And National Policy by Various

Allemand, the pilot, had lost his head and was steering a course crooked as a worm fence.

From Heralds of Empire Being the Story of One Ramsay Stanhope, Lieutenant to Pierre Radisson in the Northern Fur Trade by Agnes C. (Agnes Christina) Laut

On a dim path in thick woods we paused at a worm fence lying squarely across our way.

From The Cavalier by George Washington Cable

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