single combat
Historically, 'single combat' often decided the outcome of larger conflicts or demonstrated individual bravery and skill.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2General
(formal, historical)A one-on-one fight between two individuals, usually with weapons, to resolve a dispute or prove bravery.
Example
- The knights engaged in single combat to settle the matter of honor.
C1Military History
(historical)A duel between two representatives of opposing armies, with the outcome often determining the result of the larger battle.
Example
- In ancient times, single combat between champions could decide the fate of entire armies.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "single combat":
mano a manofight to the deathsword fightingpitched battlemortal combat