Found 2 items, similar to Rail fence.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: rail fence rail fence n : a fence (usually made of split logs laid across each other at an angle)
English → English (gcide) Definition: Rail fence Rail \Rail\, n. [Akin to LG. & Sw. regel bar, bolt, G. riegel a rail, bar, or bolt, OHG. rigil, rigel, bar, bolt, and possibly to E. row a line.] 1. A bar of timber or metal, usually horizontal or nearly so, extending from one post or support to another, as in fences, balustrades, staircases, etc. [1913 Webster] 2. (Arch.) A horizontal piece in a frame or paneling. See Illust. of Style. [1913 Webster] 3. (Railroad) A bar of steel or iron, forming part of the track on which the wheels roll. It is usually shaped with reference to vertical strength, and is held in place by chairs, splices, etc. [1913 Webster] 4. (Naut.) (a) The stout, narrow plank that forms the top of the bulwarks. (b) The light, fencelike structures of wood or metal at the break of the deck, and elsewhere where such protection is needed. [1913 Webster] 5. A railroad as a means of transportation; as, to go by rail; a place not accesible by rail. [Webster 1913 Suppl.] 6. a railing. [PJC] Rail fence. See under Fence. Rail guard. (a) A device attached to the front of a locomotive on each side for clearing the rail of obstructions. (b) A guard rail. See under Guard. Rail joint (Railroad), a splice connecting the adjacent ends of rails, in distinction from a chair, which is merely a seat. The two devices are sometimes united. Among several hundred varieties, the fish joint is standard. See Fish joint, under Fish. Rail train (Iron & Steel Manuf.), a train of rolls in a rolling mill, for making rails for railroads from blooms or billets. [1913 Webster] 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. [1913 Webster] Let us be backed with God and with the seas, Which he hath given for fence impregnable. --Shak. [1913 Webster] A fence betwixt us and the victor's wrath. --Addison. [1913 Webster] 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. [1913 Webster] Leaps o'er the fence with ease into the fold. --Milton. [1913 Webster] Note: In England a hedge, ditch, or wall, as well as a structure of boards, palings, or rails, is called a fence. [1913 Webster] 3. (Locks) A projection on the bolt, which passes through the tumbler gates in locking and unlocking. [1913 Webster] 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. [1913 Webster] Enjoy your dear wit, and gay rhetoric, That hath so well been taught her dazzing fence. --Milton. [1913 Webster] Of dauntless courage and consummate skill in fence. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster] 5. A receiver of stolen goods, or a place where they are received. [Slang] --Mayhew. [1913 Webster] 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.] [1913 Webster]