embattle

[em-bat-l]

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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.).

Origin of embattle

1350–1400; Middle English embatailen < Middle French embataillier. See em-¹, battle¹

embattle

[em-bat-l]

verb (used with object), em·bat·tled, em·bat·tling.

to furnish with battlements.

Origin of embattle

First recorded in 1350–1400, embattle is from the Middle English word embatailen. See em-¹, battle²

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for embattle

militarize, supply, strengthen, fortify, equip, mobilize, array, arm, furnish

Examples from the Web for embattle

Historical Examples of embattle

The officers had been unable to make them embattle the walls.
History of the Commune of 1871
P. Lissagary
And Douglas found the forces that were to embattle him drawing up in line.
Children of the Market Place
Edgar Lee Masters
Against her Napoleon now prepared to embattle the might of his vast Empire.
The Life of Napoleon I (Volumes, 1 and 2)
John Holland Rose

British Dictionary definitions for embattle

embattle

verb (tr)

to deploy (troops) for battle

to strengthen or fortify (a position, town, etc)

to provide (a building) with battlements

Word Origin for embattle

C14: from Old French embataillier; see en- 1, battle

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for embattle

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).