n.
Pronunciation: ' ba-t ə l
Function: noun
Usage: often attrib
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>