noun Street Slang

fence

FENSS · noun · slang

A receiver and reseller of stolen goods.

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Definitions

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A fence is a dealer who buys stolen property from thieves and resells it, providing criminals a way to convert loot into cash. As a verb, to 'fence' goods is to sell them this way.

“Every thief in the district knew which pawnshop owner would fence a hot ring.”
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fence In A Sentence

Every thief in the district knew which pawnshop owner would fence a hot ring.

Origin & Usage

British thieves' cant, late 17th century; from the idea of a 'defence' or screen between thief and buyer.

Tags #prison#criminal#stolen-goods#theft#urban-lingo

People Also Ask

What does 'fence' mean in crime slang?

A fence is a person who buys stolen goods from thieves and resells them, giving criminals a way to turn loot into cash. As a verb, to fence something is to sell it through such a dealer.

Where does the word come from?

It comes from British thieves' cant of the late 17th century, from the idea of a 'defence' or screen standing between the thief and the eventual buyer.

Is fencing illegal?

Yes. Knowingly buying and reselling stolen property is a crime, and fences are a key link in the chain that makes theft profitable.

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