n.
- a sustained fight between organized armed forces.
- a lengthy and difficult conflict or struggle.
v.
fight or struggle tenaciously with an opponent or to achieve something.
Phrase
- battle royal
(pl. battles royal)
a fiercely contested fight or dispute. - battle stations
chiefly US the positions taken by military personnel in preparation for battle.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: from OFr. bataille (n.), bataillier (v.), based on late L. battualia ‘military or gladiatorial exercises’, from L. battuere ‘to beat’.