RENCOUN'TER, noun Literally, a meeting of two bodies. Hence,

1. A meeting in opposition or contest.

The jostling chiefs in rude rencounter join.

2. A casual combat; a sudden contest or fight without premeditation; as between individuals or small parties.

3. A casual action; an engagement between armies or fleets.

The confederates should - outnumber the enemy in all rencounters and engagements.

4. Any combat, action or engagement.

RENCOUN'TER, verb transitive

1. To meet unexpectedly without enmity or hostility. [This use is found in some recent publications, but is not common.]

2. To attack hand to hand.

RENCOUN'TER, verb intransitive

1. To meet an enemy unexpectedly.

2. To clash; to come in collision.

3. To skirmish with another.

4. To fight hand to hand.