ETYM Old Eng. bataille, bataile, French bataille battle, Old Fren., battle, battalion, from Latin battalia, battualia, the fighting and fencing exercises of soldiers and gladiators, from batuere to strike, beat. Related to Battalia, Battel, and see Batter.
A hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war; SYN. conflict, fight, engagement.

To battle or contend against in or as if in a battle; SYN. combat.