A person who practices or competes in fencing, the sport of fighting with swords like foils, épées, or sabres.
From Middle English 'fencen' (to defend), derived from Old French 'fendre' (to split or thrust). The -er suffix marks the person who performs the action. Originally referred to anyone who defended or guarded, narrowing to sword combat specialists by the 16th century.
Medieval fencers were considered educated gentlemen—fencing academies were status symbols for nobles learning 'the art of defense.' Today's Olympic fencers use equipment descended directly from real combat techniques, making it one of the oldest continuously practiced martial sports.
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