Definition of fender

• v. t. & i. - One who or that which defends or protects by warding off harm
• v. t. & i. - A screen to prevent coals or sparks of an open fire from escaping to the floor.
• v. t. & i. - Anything serving as a cushion to lessen the shock when a vessel comes in contact with another vessel or a wharf.
• v. t. & i. - A screen to protect a carriage from mud thrown off the wheels: also, a splashboard.
• v. t. & i. - Anything set up to protect an exposed angle, as of a house, from damage by carriage wheels.