■ noun
1》 a sustained fight between organized armed forces.
2》 a lengthy and difficult conflict or struggle.
■ verb fight or struggle tenaciously with an opponent or to achieve something.
Phrases
~ royal ( plural ~s royal ) a fiercely contested fight or dispute.
~ stations chiefly US the positions taken by military personnel in preparation for ~.
Derivatives
~r noun
Origin
ME: from OFr. bataille (n.), bataillier (v.), based on late L. battualia 'military or gladiatorial exercises', from L. battuere 'to beat'.