rencounter

Ren*coun"ter (rn-koun"tr), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Rencountered (-trd); p. pr. & vb/ n. Rencountering.] Etym: [F. rencontrer; pref. re- + OF. encontrer to encounter. See Encounter.] 1. To meet unexpectedly; to encounter. 2. To attack hand to hand. [Obs.] Spenser. Ren*coun"ter, v. i. Defn: To meet unexpectedly; to encounter in a hostile manner; to come in collision; to skirmish. Ren*coun"ter, n. Etym: [F. rencontre, from renconter to meet.] 1. A meeting of two persons or bodies; a collision; especially, a meetingg in opposition or contest; a combat, action, or engagement. The justling chiefs in rude rencounter join. Granville. 2. A causal combat or action; a sudden contest or fight without premeditation, as between individuals or small parties. The confederates should . . . outnumber the enemy in all rencounters and engagements. Addison. Syn. -- Combat; fight; conflict; collision; clash.

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