Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Fender \Fen"der\, n. [From {Fend}, v. t. & i., cf. {Defender}.]
   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.

Source : WordNet®

fender
     n 1: a barrier that surrounds the wheels of a vehicle to block
          splashing water or mud; "in England they call a fender a
          wing" [syn: {wing}]
     2: an inclined metal frame at the front of a locomotive to
        clear the track [syn: {buffer}, {cowcatcher}, {pilot}]
     3: a low metal guard to confine falling coals to a hearth
     4: a cushion-like device that reduces shock due to contact
        [syn: {buffer}]