Decertation

/ˌdɛsərˈteɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The act of fighting or contending (an extremely archaic term).

Etymology

From Latin decertatio, from decertare (to fight it out), combining de- (thoroughly) and certare (to contend, fight). The term is virtually extinct in modern English.

Kelly Says

This word shows how English once had elaborate vocabulary for different types of conflicts—'decertation' specifically meant formal combat or argument, but we've consolidated all these fights into one generic word.

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