Yew, piece cut at intervals that's used for fencing (4)

I believe the answer is:

epee

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'fencing' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
I also know that 'fencing' relates to this answer.

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for epee that I've seen before include "Another fencing sword" , "Fighting blade" , "Type of sword" , "Use it to fence" , "Narrow fencing sword" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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