from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Snake \Snake\, n. [AS. snaca; akin to LG. snake, schnake, Icel.
sn[=a]kr, sn?kr, Dan. snog, Sw. snok; of uncertain origin.]
(Zool.)
Any species of the order Ophidia; an ophidian; a serpent,
whether harmless or venomous. See {Ophidia}, and {Serpent}.
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Note: Snakes are abundant in all warm countries, and much the
larger number are harmless to man.
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{Blind snake}, {Garter snake}, {Green snake}, {King snake},
{Milk snake}, {Rock snake}, {Water snake}, etc. See under
{Blind}, {Garter}, etc.
{Fetich snake} (Zool.), a large African snake ({Python
Sebae}) used by the natives as a fetich.
{Ringed snake} (Zool.), a common European columbrine snake
({Tropidonotus natrix}).
{Snake eater}. (Zool.)
(a) The markhoor.
(b) The secretary bird.
{Snake fence}, a worm fence (which see). [U.S.]
{Snake fly} (Zool.), any one of several species of
neuropterous insects of the genus {Rhaphidia}; -- so
called because of their large head and elongated neck and
prothorax.
{Snake gourd} (Bot.), a cucurbitaceous plant ({Trichosanthes
anguina}) having the fruit shorter and less snakelike than
that of the serpent cucumber.
{Snake killer}. (Zool.)
(a) The secretary bird.
(b) The chaparral cock.
{Snake moss} (Bot.), the common club moss ({Lycopodium
clavatum}). See {Lycopodium}.
{Snake nut} (Bot.), the fruit of a sapindaceous tree
({Ophiocaryon paradoxum}) of Guiana, the embryo of which
resembles a snake coiled up.
{Tree snake} (Zool.), any one of numerous species of
colubrine snakes which habitually live in trees,
especially those of the genus {Dendrophis} and allied
genera.
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from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Fence \Fence\ (f[e^]ns), n. [Abbrev. from defence.]
1. That which fends off attack or danger; a defense; a
protection; a cover; security; shield.
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Let us be backed with God and with the seas,
Which he hath given for fence impregnable. --Shak.
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A fence betwixt us and the victor's wrath.
--Addison.
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2. An inclosure about a field or other space, or about any
object; especially, an inclosing structure of wood, iron,
or other material, intended to prevent intrusion from
without or straying from within.
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Leaps o'er the fence with ease into the fold.
--Milton.
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Note: In England a hedge, ditch, or wall, as well as a
structure of boards, palings, or rails, is called a
fence.
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3. (Locks) A projection on the bolt, which passes through the
tumbler gates in locking and unlocking.
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4. Self-defense by the use of the sword; the art and practice
of fencing and sword play; hence, skill in debate and
repartee. See {Fencing}.
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Enjoy your dear wit, and gay rhetoric,
That hath so well been taught her dazzing fence.
--Milton.
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Of dauntless courage and consummate skill in fence.
--Macaulay.
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5. A receiver of stolen goods, or a place where they are
received. [Slang] --Mayhew.
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{Fence month} (Forest Law), the month in which female deer
are fawning, when hunting is prohibited. --Bullokar.
{Fence roof}, a covering for defense. "They fitted their
shields close to one another in manner of a fence roof."
--Holland.
{Fence time}, the breeding time of fish or game, when they
should not be killed.
{Rail fence}, a fence made of rails, sometimes supported by
posts.
{Ring fence}, a fence which encircles a large area, or a
whole estate, within one inclosure.
{Worm fence}, a zigzag fence composed of rails crossing one
another at their ends; -- called also {snake fence}, or
{Virginia rail fence}.
{To be on the fence}, to be undecided or uncommitted in
respect to two opposing parties or policies. [Colloq.]
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