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noun Fence n. 1.That which fends off attack or danger; a defense; a protection; a cover; security; shield. "Let us be backed with God and with the seas, Which he hath given for fence impregnable." "A fence betwixt us and the victor's wrath." 2.An inclosure about a field or other space, or about any object; especially, an inclosing structure of wood, iron, or other material, intended to prevent intrusion from without or straying from within. "Leaps o'er the fence with ease into the fold." Note: In England a hedge, ditch, or wall, as well as a structure of boards, palings, or rails, is called a fence. 3.(Locks) A projection on the bolt, which passes through the tumbler gates in locking and unlocking. 4.Self-defense by the use of the sword; the art and practice of fencing and sword play; hence, skill in debate and repartee. See Fencing. "Enjoy your dear wit, and gay rhetoric, That hath so well been taught her dazzing fence." "Of dauntless courage and consummate skill in fence." 5.A receiver of stolen goods, or a place where they are received. (Slang) Fence month (Forest Law), the month in which female deer are fawning, when hunting is prohibited. Fence roof, a covering for defense. "They fitted their shields close to one another in manner of a fence roof." Fence time, the breeding time of fish or game, when they should not be killed. Rail fence, a fence made of rails, sometimes supported by posts. Ring fence, a fence which encircles a large area, or a whole estate, within one inclosure. Worm fence, a zigzag fence composed of rails crossing one another at their ends; called also snake fence, or Virginia rail fence. To be on the fence, to be undecided or uncommitted in respect to two opposing parties or policies. (Colloq.)
Worm n. 1.A creeping or a crawling animal of any kind or size, as a serpent, caterpillar, snail, or the like. (Archaic) "There came a viper out of the heat, and leapt on his hand. When the men of the country saw the worm hang on his hand, they said, This man must needs be a murderer." "'T is slander, Whose edge is sharper than the sword, whose tongue Outvenoms all the worms of Nile." "When Cerberus perceived us, the great worm, His mouth he opened and displayed his tusks." 2.Any small creeping animal or reptile, either entirely without feet, or with very short ones, including a great variety of animals; as, an earthworm; the blindworm. Specifically: (Zool.) (a)Any helminth; an entozoon. 3.An internal tormentor; something that gnaws or afflicts one's mind with remorse. "The worm of conscience still begnaw thy soul!" 4.A being debased and despised. "I am a worm, and no man." 5.Anything spiral, vermiculated, or resembling a worm; as: (a)The thread of a screw. "The threads of screws, when bigger than can be made in screw plates, are called worms." (b)A spiral instrument or screw, often like a double corkscrew, used for drawing balls from firearms. (c)(Anat.) A certain muscular band in the tongue of some animals, as the dog; the lytta. See Lytta. (d)The condensing tube of a still, often curved and wound to economize space. (e)(Mach.) A short revolving screw, the threads of which drive, or are driven by, a worm wheel by gearing into its teeth or cogs. Worm abscess (Med.), an abscess produced by the irritation resulting from the lodgment of a worm in some part of the body. Worm fence. See under Fence. Worm gearing, gearing consisting of a worm and worm wheel working together. Worm grass. (Bot.) (b)The white stonecrop (Sedum album) reputed to have qualities as a vermifuge. Worm oil (Med.), an anthelmintic consisting of oil obtained from the seeds of Chenopodium anthelminticum. Worm powder (Med.), an anthelmintic powder. Worm snake. (Zool.) See Thunder snake (b), under Thunder. Worm tea (Med.), an anthelmintic tea or tisane. Worm tincture (Med.), a tincture prepared from dried earthworms, oil of tartar, spirit of wine, etc. (Obs.) Worm wheel, a cogwheel having teeth formed to fit into the spiral spaces of a screw called a worm, so that the wheel may be turned by, or may turn, the worm; called also worm gear, and sometimes tangent wheel.
Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48
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