Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
adjective
- disposed or prepared for battle.
- engaged in or beset by conflict or struggle.
verb (used with object), em·bat·tled, em·bat·tling.
- to arrange in order of battle; prepare for battle; arm.
- to fortify (a town, camp, etc.).
verb (used with object), em·bat·tled, em·bat·tling.
- to furnish with battlements.
adjective
- prepared for or engaged in conflict, controversy, or battle
- heraldry having an indented edge resembling battlements
verb (tr)
- to deploy (troops) for battle
- to strengthen or fortify (a position, town, etc)
- to provide (a building) with battlements
“under attack,” by 1882; earlier it meant “prepared to fight,” and (of structures) “fitted with battlements;” past participle adjective from embattle (v.).
late 14c., “prepare for a fight,” from Old French embataillier “to prepare for battle,” from en- (see en- (1)) + bataille (see battle (n.)). Related: Embattled; embattling. Originally of armies; of individuals as well since 1590s (first attested in Spenser).