BATTLE

I. noun Usage: often attributive Etymology: Middle English batel, from Anglo-French bataille ~, battalion, from Late Latin battalia combat, alteration of battualia fencing exercises, from Latin battuere to beat Date: 13th century battalion , a combat between two persons, a general encounter between armies, ships of war, or aircraft, an extended contest, struggle, or controversy , II. verb (~d; battling) Date: 14th century intransitive verb to engage in ~ ; fight , to contend with full strength, vigor, skill, or resources ; struggle , transitive verb to fight or struggle against, to force (as one's way) by battling, ~r noun III. transitive verb (~d; battling) Etymology: Middle English batailen, from Anglo-French bataillier to fortify with ~ments, from Old French batailles ~mented tower, probably from plural of bataille ~ Date: 14th century to fortify with ~ments