snake fence

noun

1. a fence, zigzag in plan, made of rails resting across one another at an angle.

Word History and Origins

Origin of snake fence¹

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805

Example Sentences

Along the left of the field the dark spruce woods came down close to the zigzag snake fence of split rails which bounded Hatch's clearing.

From Project Gutenberg

Baird encountered a snake fence and an almost impassable mat of briers, but even in the darkness he felt sure of his direction, certain of it when he slid down into mud and water.

From Project Gutenberg

And though the old snake fence must fall, 'Twas easy made, axe, wedge and maul, Were all the tools the pioneer Required the old rail fence to rear.

From Project Gutenberg

Lucy tied the halter to the snake fence, and returned to the group on the grass, who were already justifying their claims regarding their appetite by an indiscriminate slaughter of sandwiches.

From Project Gutenberg

Arriving at the snake fences of Armytage's farm, he said he would go down to the post at the 'Corner' for letters, and call in an hour for Linda on his return.

From Project Gutenberg