ENCOUNT'ER, n. [L. contra, against,or rather rencontre.] 1. A meeting, particularly a sudden or accidental meeting of two or more persons.To shun th' encounter of the vulgar crowd.2. A meeting in contest; a single combat, on a sudden meeting of parties; sometimes less properly, a duel.3. A fight; a conflict; a skirmish; a battle; but more generally, a fight between a small number of men,or an accidental meeting and fighting of detachments, rather than a set battle or general engagement.4. Eager and warm conversation, either in love or anger.5. A sudden or unexpected address or accosting.6. Occasion; casual incident. [Unusual.]ENCOUNT'ER, v.t. 1. To meet face to face; particularly, to meet suddenly or unexpectedly.[This sense is now uncommon, but still in use.]2. To meet in opposition, or in a hostile manner; to rush against in conflict; to engage with in battle; as, two armies encounter each other.3. To meet and strive to remove or surmount; as, to encounter obstacles, impediments or difficulties.4. To meet and oppose; to resist; to attack and attempt to confute; as, to encounter the arguments of opponents. Acts.17.18.5. To meet as an obstacle. Which ever way the infidel turns, he encounters clear evidence of the divine origin of the scriptures.6. To oppose; to oppugn.7. To meet in mutual kindness. [Little used.]ENCOUNT'ER, v.i. To meet face to face;to meet unexpectedly. [Little used.] 1. To rush together in combat; to fight; to conflict. Three armies encountered at Waterloo.When applied to one party, it is sometimes followed by with; as, the christian army encountered with the Saracens.2. To meet in opposition or debate.
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