I. ə̇m, em+ verb
Etymology: Middle English embatailen, from Middle French embatailler, from em- en- (I) + batailler to battle — more at battle
transitive verb
1. : to arrange (as an army) in order of battle : array for battle
the English are embattled, you French peers. To horse, you gallant princes — Shakespeare
2. : to make (as oneself) ready for conflict : be prepared to fight
let them gather themselves, and be scattered; let them embattle themselves, and be broken — John Milton
3. : fortify
embattle a building
embattle a city
intransitive verb
obsolete : to prepare for battle
II. transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English embatailen, from en- (I) + batailen to fortify with battlements — more at battle
: to furnish with battlements
received royal permission to embattle [his residence] — Sam Boal