Why is it called fencing?

Answer 1

Though the word 'Fencing' typically brings to mind an image of wooden posts surrounding a yard, the more obscure definition - that of the sport and art of swordsmanship - is derived from the act of defending. 'Fence' is derived from the Old French word 'defens', meaning 'defense'. The first known usage of the word is in William Shakespeare's play 'Merry Wives of Windsor', in which a character exclaims 'Alas, sir, I cannot fence'. Literally, then, 'fencing' means 'to defend yourself'.