paling

[ pey-ling ]

noun

1. Also called paling fence. picket fence.
2. a pale or picket for a fence.
3. pales pale collectively.
4. the act of building a fence with pales. pale.

paling

/ ˈpeɪlɪŋ /

noun

1. a fence made of pales
2. pales collectively
3. a single pale
4. the act of erecting pales

Word History and Origins

Origin of paling¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; pale ², -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Soon the balloon, taking an oblique ascent, hovered over the darkened landscape, and the paling lights also disappeared.

From Project Gutenberg

Richard danced till the morn was paling, despite two great welts on his forehead.

From Project Gutenberg

Towards the end of May, one lovely evening, we happened both to be out on opposite sides of the paling, both walking slowly.

From Project Gutenberg

In one corner lay a heap of wood, apparently part of an old paling.

From Project Gutenberg

Alternately flushing and paling, Xenie stared at him, still clasping the little child to her wildly beating heart.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• dying
• hazy