fence the tables

English edit

fence the tables (third-person singular simple present fences the tables, present participle fencing the tables, simple past and past participle fenced the tables)

(Scotland, Christianity, historical, idiomatic) To make a solemn address to those who present themselves to commune at the Lord's Supper, on the feelings appropriate to the service, in order to hinder, so far as possible, those who are unworthy from approaching the table.
- January 19 1840, Robert Murray M'Cheyne, Memoirs
  Felt great help in fencing the tables
- 1902, John Buchan, The Outgoing of the Tide:
  To be the bride of Christ was the thought that filled her heart; and when, at the fencing of the table, Dr. Chrystal preached from Matthew nine and fifteen, 'Can the children of the bridechamber mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?' it was remarked by sundry that Ailie's face was liker the countenance of an angel than of a mortal lass.