A Fence Is Also Someone Who Buys Stolen Goods
A fence is a barrier around land. In criminal slang it also means a dealer in stolen property, from the idea of a defence against detection.
A fence is a barrier of wood, wire or posts. The word is a shortening of *defence*, and that origin explains the criminal sense: a fence who buys stolen goods stands between the thief and the law, acting as a defence. The sport of fencing comes from the same source, being the art of defence with a sword. *Sitting on the fence* means refusing to commit to either side.
- A barrier. *A garden fence.*
- A receiver of stolen goods. *He worked as a fence.*
- To fight with swords. *She fences competitively.*
- Sit on the fence — stay neutral. *Sitting on the fence.*
- Defence — the full word. *A strong defence.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | fence | A high fence. |
| Plural | fences | Two fences. |
| Verb | fence | Fence the field. |
| Noun | fencing | Fencing lessons. |
| Related | defence | Defence. |
- They repaired the garden fence.Barrier.
- The jewels went through a fence.Criminal.
- He is still sitting on the fence.Idiom.
Fence idioms
- Sit on the fence — refuse to take a side
- Mend fences — repair a damaged relationship
- The grass is greener on the other side of the fence — envy of others
- Come down on one side of the fence — finally decide
- Good fences make good neighbours — clear boundaries prevent disputes
A shortening of *defence*, from Old French *defens*, from Latin *defendere*, to ward off. The criminal sense dates from the 1600s.
Why is a receiver of stolen goods called a fence?
Because they stand between the thief and the authorities, providing a defence. The word is a shortening of defence.
Is the sport related?
Yes. Fencing was originally the art of defence with a sword, from the same shortened word.