fending

1 definition found

fending - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Fend \Fend\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fended; p. pr. & vb. n.
     Fending.] [Abbrev. fr. defend.]
     To keep off; to prevent from entering or hitting; to ward
     off; to shut out; -- often with off; as, to fend off blows.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           With fern beneath to fend the bitter cold. --Dryden.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     To fend off a boat or To fend off a vessel (Naut.), to
        prevent its running against anything with too much
        violence.
        [1913 Webster]