fenceful

fenceful

English

Etymology 1

fence +‎ -ful

Adjective

fenceful (comparative more fenceful, superlative most fenceful)

1. (obsolete) Affording defense; defensive.
   • 1680, J Davies, Instructions for History:

     But of all the modern Historians there is not anyone has writ with a greater observance of the fenceful Character, than Mariana in his History of Spain.

   • 1753, William Congreve, Homer's Hymn to Venus:

     And first the Skill, of useful Arts inspir'd; Taught Artists first the carving Tool to wield, Chariots with Brass to arm, and form the fenceful shield:

   • 1914, ‎Henry George Bohn, The Epigrams of Martial: Translated Into English Prose.:

     When the Athenian birds explored their way To the blest climes that know no winter's day, One hapless twitt'rer, who disdain'd the rest, Outbraved the rigours in the fenceful nest :

Etymology 2

fence +‎ -ful

Noun

fenceful (plural fencefuls)

1. As many as make up or line a fence.
   • 1968, The Countryman:

     Yes, they were as dry and inflammable as one would expect; I had only to drop a match among them and the whole fenceful would flare up — and perhaps half the Riverina as well.

   • 2001, Francis DiPietro, Holland and Bonni, page 180:

     It was like a bitch alleycat in estrus strutting high-tailed past a fenceful of toms.

   • 2012, John Milton Oskison, ‎Lionel Larrä, Tales of the Old Indian Territory and Essays on the Indian Condition:

     That fenceful of men and boys stood there like posts, waiting and speaking in whispers.