Fen"der (?), n. [From Fend, v. t. & i., cf. Defender.]
One who or that which defends or protects by warding off harm
; as: (a)
A screen to prevent coals or sparks of an open fire from escaping to the floor
. (b)
Anything serving as a cushion to lessen the shock when a vessel comes in contact with another vessel or a wharf
. (c)
A screen to protect a carriage from mud thrown off the wheels: also, a splashboard
. (d)
Anything set up to protect an exposed angle, as of a house, from damage by carriage wheels.
© Webster 1913.