ˈbætl n. & v. --n. 1 a prolonged
fight between large organized armed forces. 2 a
contest; a prolonged or
difficult struggle (life is a
constant battle; a battle of wits). --v. 1 intr. struggle; fight persistently (battled
against the elements; battled
for women's rights). 2 tr. fight (one's
way etc.). 3 tr. US
engage in battle
with. øbattle-cruiser
hist. a heavy-gunned
ship faster
and more lightly armoured
than a
battleship. battle-cry a
cry or
slogan of participants in a battle or contest. battle
fatigue =
combat fatigue. battle
royal 1 a battle in
which several combatants or
all available forces engage; a
free fight. 2 a
heated argument.
half the battle the key to the
success of an
undertaking. øøbattler n. [ME f. OF bataille ult. f. LL battualia gladiatorial exercises f. L battuere beat]