Fencing
/ˈfɛn.sɪŋ/noun
The sport of fighting with swords, especially foils, epees, or sabres, using a variety of techniques and rules.
Did you know?The term 'fencing' originally referred to an enclosure or barrier, tying the act of swordplay to notions of protection and defense against threats.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dʰegʷh-
“to burn or to enclose”
Latin
Latin
fentia
“to strike or to hit, related to the act of fighting”
Old French
Old French
fens
“a fence or barrier, implying protection, often used in the context of martial training”
14th Century
Middle English
fencen
“to enclose or protect, later evolving into the sport of sword fighting”
Modern English
English
fencing
“the sport of combat with swords, emphasizing skill and technique over brute force.”