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

Example Sentences

The old worm fence was distinctly American; it had a zigzag series of chestnut rails, with stakes of twisted cedar saplings which were sometimes "chunked" by moss-covered boulders just peeping from the earth.

From Project Gutenberg

With only the worm fence and its rough clothing of wild vines and briers between them, the women met face to face.

From Project Gutenberg

The same effect was further aided and preserved by the cumbrous and unseemly worm fence that shot forth its stiff angles around the tract.

From Project Gutenberg

And every man simultaneously drops his traps where he stands, and makes a bee-line for the tall worm fences, which are vanishing in every direction, as if by magic.

From Project Gutenberg

Meanwhile Si had strolled over a little ways to where an old worm fence had stood when the regiment went into camp.

From Project Gutenberg