Main Entry: ¹bat·tle

Pronunciation: \ˈba-t^əl\

Function: noun

Usage: often attributive

Etymology: Middle English batel, from Anglo-French bataille battle, battalion, from Late Latin battalia combat, alteration of battualia fencing exercises, from Latin battuere to beat

Date: 13th century

1 archaic : battalion
2 : a combat between two persons
3 : a general encounter between armies, ships of war, or aircraft
4 : an extended contest, struggle, or controversy <a battle of wits>