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fend

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fend

Main Entry:: ¹fend
Pronunciation:: \ˈfend\
Function:: verb
Etymology:: Middle English fenden, short for defenden
Date:: 14th century

transitive verb1: defend2: to keep or ward off : repel —often used with off<fend off an invader>3dialect British : to provide for : supportintransitive verb1dialect British : to make an effort : struggle2 a: to try to get along without help : shift <had to fend for themselves> b: to provide a livelihood

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