battle

I. noun Usage: often attributive Etymology: Middle English batel, from Anglo-French bataille battle, battalion, from Late Latin battalia combat, alteration of battualia fencing exercises, from Latin battuere to beat Date: 13th century 1. archaic battalion 2. a combat between two persons 3. a general encounter between armies, ships of war, or aircraft 4. an extended contest, struggle, or controversy <

a battle of wits

> II. verb (battled; battling) Date: 14th century intransitive verb 1. to engage in battle ; fight 2. to contend with full strength, vigor, skill, or resources ; struggle transitive verb 1. to fight or struggle against 2. to force (as one's way) by battling • battler noun III. transitive verb (battled; battling) Etymology: Middle English batailen, from Anglo-French bataillier to fortify with battlements, from Old French batailles battlemented tower, probably from plural of bataille battle Date: 14th century archaic to fortify with battlements