An archaic or obsolete term meaning to goad, incite, or provoke someone to action, particularly to violence or warfare.
From Old French achorner, possibly from charne (flesh), or from Latin carnis (flesh). The meaning evolved to describe intense provocation.
Medieval battle tactics included psychological warfare—commanders would literally try to 'acharne' enemy troops, using insults and taunts to provoke them into reckless charges, because an angry soldier makes strategic mistakes.
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