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

See Examples For:

worm fence

At the foot of the crumbling "worm" fence, skirting the edges of the wood, deep wind-drifts of russet leaves stirred mournfully.

From The Voice of the People by Glasgow, Ellen Anderson Gholson

The worm fence disappeared and neat white lines flashed divisions of pastures, it seemed, for miles.

From The Heart of the Hills by Fox, John

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

From Si Klegg, Book 4 (of 6) Experiences Of Si And Shorty On The Great Tullahoma Campaign by McElroy, John

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 Old-Time Gardens Newly Set Forth by Earle, Alice Morse

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

From Ann Boyd by Harben, Will N. (Will Nathaniel)