To fence the tables

Fence \Fence\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Fenced} (f[e^]nst); p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Fencing} (f[e^]n"s[i^]ng).]
   1. To fend off danger from; to give security to; to protect;
      to guard.
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            To fence my ear against thy sorceries. --Milton.
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   2. To inclose with a fence or other protection; to secure by
      an inclosure.
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            O thou wall! . . . dive in the earth,
            And fence not Athens.                 --Shak.
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            A sheepcote fenced about with olive trees. --Shak.
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   {To fence the tables} (Scot. Church), to make a solemn
      address to those who present themselves to commune at the
      Lord's supper, on the feelings appropriate to the service,
      in order to hinder, so far as possible, those who are
      unworthy from approaching the table. --McCheyne.
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