baˈtü, ba.ˈtyü, Fr bȧtu̅e̅ noun
( -s )
Etymology: French, from feminine of battu, past participle of battre to beat, from Old French batre, from Latin battere, battuere — more at battle
1.
a. : the driving or drawing out of game from cover especially by beating woods and bushes
b. : a hunt in which this procedure is used
I never cared much for a battue of pheasants or a grouse drive — John Buchan
2. : a concerted action by a number of persons performed with bustle
once a year a grand battue is organized when every nook and cranny of the church is raked from roof to floor — Richard Free
3. : indiscriminate slaughter
a hugh prison battue was ordered … on the principle that many should pay for one — Bernard Pares