n. [ F. rencontre, from renconter to meet. ] 1. A meeting of two persons or bodies; a collision; especially, a meeting in opposition or contest; a combat, action, or engagement. [ 1913 Webster ]

The justling chiefs in rude rencounter join. Granville. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A causal combat or action; a sudden contest or fight without premeditation, as between individuals or small parties. [ 1913 Webster ]

The confederates should . . . outnumber the enemy in all rencounters and engagements. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Combat; fight; conflict; collision; clash. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Rencountered p. pr. & vb/ n. Rencountering. ] [ F. rencontrer; pref. re- + OF. encontrer to encounter. See Encounter. ] 1. To meet unexpectedly; to encounter. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To attack hand to hand. [ Obs. ] Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To meet unexpectedly; to encounter in a hostile manner; to come in collision; to skirmish. [ 1913 Webster ]