1350-1400;Middle English; see embattle1, -ed2; def. 2 probably by association with the general sense “restrict, enclose” of many verbs formed with em-1, en-1
Related forms
unembattled, adjective
embattle1
[em-bat-l] /ɛmˈbæt l/
verb (used with object), embattled, embattling.
1.
to arrange in order of battle; prepare for battle; arm.
2.
to fortify (a town, camp, etc.).
Origin
1350-1400;Middle Englishembatailen < Middle Frenchembataillier. See em-1, battle1
embattle2
[em-bat-l] /ɛmˈbæt l/
verb (used with object), embattled, embattling.
1.
to furnish with battlements.
Origin
1350-1400;Middle Englishembatailen. See em-1, battle2
Examples from the web for embattled
Researchers are racing to fortify the embattled cacao tree and to meet increasing demand for cocoa made from its seeds.
But now the forests and their wildlife are under siege by embattled people desperate to survive from week to week.
Yet the rollercoaster life of the embattled singer proved more powerful than his musical gifts.
But there was a time not long ago when the embattled thirty-eight-year-old wanted no part of the family business.
Still, the issuing of subpoenas is undoubtedly more bad news for the embattled firm.
Even good corrections officers feel embattled by dangerous inmates who badly outnumber them.
Yet the more embattled she became, the more she was determined to win.
It's a sentiment that applies not only to this embattled glory of the biosphere but to everywhere.
Some countries, particularly the embattled economies on the periphery of the euro zone, have no choice.
And the region's anti-corruption outfits are proving toothless, sidelined or simply embattled.
British Dictionary definitions for embattled
embattled
/ɪmˈbætəld/
adjective
1.
prepared for or engaged in conflict, controversy, or battle
2.
(heraldry) having an indented edge resembling battlements
embattle
/ɪmˈbætəl/
verb (transitive)
1.
to deploy (troops) for battle
2.
to strengthen or fortify (a position, town, etc)
3.
to provide (a building) with battlements
Word Origin
C14: from Old French embataillier; see en-1, battle
Word Origin and History for embattled
adj.
"under attack," by 1882; earlier it meant "prepared to fight," and (of structures) "fitted with battlements;" past participle adjective from embattle (v.).
embattle
v.
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).