battle
1. bat.tle \'bat-*l\ n [ME batel, fr. OF bataille battle, fortifying tower,
battalion, fr.] often attrib LL battalia combat, alter. of battualia
fencing exercises, fr. L battuere to beat, of Celt origin; akin to Gaulish
andabata, a gladiator; akin to L fatuus foolish, Russ bat cudgel 1: a
general encounter between armies, ships of war, or airplanes 2: a combat
between two persons archaic 3: BATTALION 4: an extended contest,
struggle, or controversy between opposing forces. BATTLE implies a general
and prolonged combat; ENGAGEMENT stresses the actual encountering of forces
in combat rather than strategic aspects; ACTION suggest combat at a
particular place, time, or phase of an operation SYN syn BATTLE,
ENGAGEMENT, ACTION mean a hostile meeting
2. battle \'bat-lin, -*l-in\ vb or bat.tling 1: to engage in battle : FIGHT
2: to contend with full strength, vigor, craft, or resources : STRUGG LE
2: to fight against
3. battle vt [ME batailen, fr. MF bataillier] : to fortify with battlements