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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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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