worm fence

noun

1. Chiefly Midland U.S. snake fence.

Word History and Origins

Origin of worm fence¹

An Americanism dating back to 1645–55

Example Sentences

This worm fence secured to the nature lover and to wild life a strip of land eight or ten feet wide, whereon plant, bird, beast, reptile, and insect flourished and reproduced.

From Project Gutenberg

With only the worm fence and its rough clothing of wild vines and briers between them, the women met face to face.

From Project Gutenberg

The same effect was further aided and preserved by the cumbrous and unseemly worm fence that shot forth its stiff angles around the tract.

From Project Gutenberg

And every man simultaneously drops his traps where he stands, and makes a bee-line for the tall worm fences, which are vanishing in every direction, as if by magic.

From Project Gutenberg

Meanwhile Si had strolled over a little ways to where an old worm fence had stood when the regiment went into camp.

From Project Gutenberg