fencing

[ fen-sing ]

noun

1. the art, practice, or sport in which an épée, foil, or saber is used for defense and attack.
2. a parrying of arguments; avoidance of direct answers:

   political fencing on important issues.

3. an enclosure or railing.
4. fences collectively.
5. material for fences.

fencing

/ ˈfɛnsɪŋ /

noun

1. the practice, art, or sport of fighting with swords, esp the sport of using foils, épées, or sabres under a set of rules to score points
2. 1. wire, stakes, etc, used as fences
   2. fences collectively
3. skilful or witty debate
4. the avoidance of direct answers; evasiveness
5. slang.
   the business of buying and selling stolen property

Word History and Origins

Origin of fencing¹

1425–75; late Middle English fensing safeguarding, maintenance. See fence, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

He was jailed in August when he threw metal fencing and a can of beer at police after goading officers during rioting in Sunderland on 2 August.

From BBC

At the old ballot-counting site, in Center City, some Trump supporters showed up with guns; the new facility is far less accessible, surrounded by metal fencing and, on Tuesday, a good deal of police.

From Salon

At the Maricopa County Ballot Tabulating Center in Arizona, two layers of security fencing surround the building.

From Los Angeles Times

Two layers of security fencing surround the building, as well as metal detectors and even rooftop snipers.

From Los Angeles Times

This space will be off-limits to humans once the crossing is completed, with locked gates to keep people out and discreet fencing to guide wildlife away from nearby homes into the wild hills beyond.

From Los Angeles Times