fence law

noun

: one of the laws enacted by most states regulating the erection and maintenance of a fence sufficient to prevent trespass by livestock on cultivated ground
two angry factions: the crop people who wanted fence laws, and the stock people who wanted free rangeCarl Withers

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near fence law

Cite this Entry

“Fence law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fence%20law. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!