Main Entry: tour·na·ment

Pronunciation: \ˈtu̇r-nə-mənt also ˈtər- or ˈtȯr-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English tornement, from Anglo-French turneiement, from turneier

Date: 13th century

1 a : a knightly sport of the Middle Ages between mounted combatants armed with blunted lances or swords and divided into two parties contesting for a prize or favor bestowed by the lady of the tournament b : the whole series of knightly sports, jousts, and tilts occurring at one time and place
2 : a series of games or contests that make up a single unit of competition (as on a professional golf tour), the championship play-offs of a league or conference, or an invitational event