What is "rail fence"

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.

   Let us be backed with God and with the seas, Which he hath given for fence impregnable.
   --Shak.

   A fence betwixt us and the victor's wrath.
   --Addison.

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.

   Leaps o'er the fence with ease into the fold.
   --Milton.

   Note: In England a hedge, ditch, or wall, as well as a structure of boards, palings, or rails, is called a fence.

3. (Locks) A projection on the bolt, which passes through the tumbler gates in locking and unlocking.

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.

   Enjoy your dear wit, and gay rhetoric, That hath so well been taught her dazzing fence.
   --Milton.

   Of dauntless courage and consummate skill in fence.
   --Macaulay.

5. A receiver of stolen goods, or a place where they are received. [Slang]
   --Mayhew.

   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.]

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.

2. (Arch.) A horizontal piece in a frame or paneling. See Illust. of Style.

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.

4. (Naut.)

   1. The stout, narrow plank that forms the top of the bulwarks.

   2. The light, fencelike structures of wood or metal at the break of the deck, and elsewhere where such protection is needed.

5. A railroad as a means of transportation; as, to go by rail; a place not accesible by rail.

6. a railing. Rail fence. See under Fence. Rail guard.

   1. A device attached to the front of a locomotive on each side for clearing the rail of obstructions.

   2. 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.

n. a fence (usually made of split logs laid across each other at an angle)