fender Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a barrier that surrounds the wheels of a vehicle to block splashing water or mud
    wing.
    • in Britain they call a fender a wing
  2. noun an inclined metal frame at the front of a locomotive to clear the track
    buffer; cowcatcher; pilot.
  3. noun a low metal guard to confine falling coals to a hearth
  4. noun a cushion-like device that reduces shock due to an impact
    buffer.

WordNet

Fen"der noun
Etymology
From Fend, v. t. & i., cf. Defender.
Definitions
  1. 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