FENCING, the art of using skillfully, in attack or self-defense, a sword, rapier, or bayonet; but usually taken to mean address in the use of the second of these weapons. In the school of fence, the foil is wielded.
The foil is a circular or quadrangular rod or blade of pliable, highly tempered steel, blunted and covered with leather at the point, so as to prevent accidents in its practice. From its nature, the foil can only be employed in thrusting; and, being edgeless, it can be handled without liability to cutting wounds. Fencers wear a strong wire mask upon their faces, as a defense against accidental thrusts, etc.
Fencing was cultivated by the an cients; the Roman gladiators instructed the soldiery of that period; but as their weapons differed so materially from those of the present day, and as they de fended themselves by shields and armor, their methods were infinitely less com plicated and efficient than those of the present day. During the period com prised within the Middle Ages, fencing became greatly neglected, and this was owing most likely to the fact that there was a great improvement in the armor worn by knights in battle; from which circumstance battle axes and other pon derous weapons of offense were substi tuted for the sword.
When metal casing became somewhat, if not altogether disused, fencing came once more into vogue; and as all gentle men wore swords, and quarrels were fre quent, it was absolutely necessary that all should have some knowledge of the "fence." The peculiar state of society in Italy made this even more needed than in any other country, and it followed that the Italians became the best fencers in Europe. Spain next found the art necessary, and soon France, in which latter country it created such a favorable impression that a school was established for its prosecution.
In fencing there are three openings or entrances—the inside, comprising the whole breast from shoulder to shoulder; the outside, which can be attacked by all the thrusts made above the wrist on the outside of the sword; and, finally, low ports, which embrace the armpits to the hips.