FEN
Fen, n. Etym: [AS. fen, fenn, marsh, mud, dirt; akin to D. veen,
OFries. fenne, fene, OHG. fenna, G. fenn, Icel. fen, Goth. fani mud.]
Defn: Low land overflowed, or covered wholly or partially with water,
but producing sedge, coarse grasses, or other aquatic plants; boggy
land; moor; marsh.
'Mid reedy fens wide spread. Wordsworth.
Note: Fen is used adjectively with the sense of belonging to, or of
the nature of, a fen or fens. Fen boat, a boat of light draught used
in marshes.
— Fen duck (Zoöl.), a wild duck inhabiting fens; the shoveler.
[Prov. Eng.] — Fen fowl (Zoöl.), any water fowl that frequent fens.
— Fen goose (Zoöl.), the graylag goose of Europe. [Prov. Eng.] —
Fen land, swamp land.
FENCE
Fence, n. Etym: [Abbrev. from defence.]
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. Shak. A fence betwixt us and the victor's wrath. Addison.
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. Milton.
Note: In England a hedge, ditch, or wall, as well as a structure of boards, palings, or rails, is called a fence.
3. (Locks)
Defn: 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. Milton. Of dauntless courage and consummate skill in fence. Macaulay.