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.
   
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         With fern beneath to fend the bitter cold. --Dryden.
   
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   {To fend off a boat} or {To fend off a vessel} (Naut.), to
      prevent its running against anything with too much
      violence.
      
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