Crossword Genius

What the duellers did, perhaps, protected by barriers (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

fenced

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'protected by barriers' is the definition.
'fenced' can be an answer for 'protected' (fencing is a kind of protecting). I'm unsure of the 'by barriers' bit.

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for fenced that I've seen before include "Was receiver" , "protected by barrier" , "Surrender or guarded with railings" , "Used a foil or epee" , "Recieved stolen goods" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app