'To fence the tables' definitions:

Definition of 'To fence the tables'

From: GCIDE

Fence \Fence\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fenced (f[e^]nst); p. pr. & vb. n. Fencing (f[e^]n"s[i^]ng).]
1. To fend off danger from; to give security to; to protect; to guard. [1913 Webster]
To fence my ear against thy sorceries. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
2. To inclose with a fence or other protection; to secure by an inclosure. [1913 Webster]
O thou wall! . . . dive in the earth, And fence not Athens. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
A sheepcote fenced about with olive trees. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
To fence the tables (Scot. Church), 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. --McCheyne. [1913 Webster]