What does "embattle" mean?
A merlon, or a single one of the series of solid projections of a battlement.
Embattle
/ɛmˈbæ.təl/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Uncommon ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A merlon, or a single one of the series of solid projections of a battlement.
- Grammar: embattle is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: arm, armor, armor-plate, array.
- Useful contrasts: demilitarize, demobilize, disarm.
- Usage evidence: In behalf of the dignity of whaling, I would fain advance naught but substantiated facts. But after embattling his facts, an advocate who should wholly suppress a not unreasonable surmise, which might tell eloquently upon his cause — such an advocate, would he not be blameworthy ?
How to use "embattle"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "embattle" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
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- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "embattle" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "embattle" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A merlon, or a single one of the series of solid projections of a battlement.
"Again, it can be drawn with the angle of the limbs being greater or less than a right angle, but they will appear to conflict with the embattles which have to be rectangular. In some ordinaries such as the fess, there must be an odd number of embattles, otherwise it will start high and end low [...]"
Verb
- 1 To arrange in order of battle; to array for battle. transitive
- 2 To furnish with battlements; to give the form of battlements to. transitive
"to embattle a wall"
- 3 prepare for battle or conflict wordnet
- 4 To prepare or arm for battle; to equip as for battle.
"In behalf of the dignity of whaling, I would fain advance naught but substantiated facts. But after embattling his facts, an advocate who should wholly suppress a not unreasonable surmise, which might tell eloquently upon his cause — such an advocate, would he not be blameworthy ?"
- 5 fortify by furnishing with battlements for defense wordnet
Show 1 more definition
- 6 To be arrayed for battle. intransitive
Antonyms
Example
"In behalf of the dignity of whaling, I would fain advance naught but substantiated facts. But after embattling his facts, an advocate who should wholly suppress a not unreasonable surmise, which might tell eloquently upon his cause — such an advocate, would he not be blameworthy ?"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "embattle"?
Common synonyms include: arm, armor, armor-plate, array, bank, barricade.
How do you use "embattle" in a sentence?
In behalf of the dignity of whaling, I would fain advance naught but substantiated facts. But after embattling his facts, an advocate who should wholly suppress a not unreasonable surmise, which might tell eloquently upon his cause — such an advocate, would he not be blameworthy ?
How do you pronounce "embattle"?
Pronounced /ɛmˈbæ.təl/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English enbatelen, embatailen, from Old French embataillier (“to array for battle”), from em- (Latin in) + bataille (“battle”).
Etymology 2
From Middle English enbatelen, enbatailen, from Old French *embastiller ("to fortify"; > Middle Latin imbataliare, imbattajare), from en- + + bastiller (“to build, fortify, embattle”). More at baste.