noun
( plural battles royal or battle royals )
1.
a. : a fight participated in by more than two combatants
he tells of seeing a battle royal among five, each gashing, slashing, and puncturing the nearest to him until only one was left alive — J.W.Lippincott
especially : such a contest in which the last man in the ring or on his feet is declared the winner
b. : a fight to the finish : a violent struggle
after a battle royal the cops hauled Jack off to jail — Sat. Eve. Post
2. : a heated discussion, disagreement, or dispute
these battles royal between him and Lady Henry were not uncommon — Mrs. Humphry Ward