[f. BATTLE v.1 + -ING2.] Fighting, engaged in conflict; combative.
1787. J. Wolcott (P. Pindar), Ode upon O., Wks. 1794, I. 421. The mighty battl’ing Broughtons and the Slacks.
1834. R. Mudie, Brit. Birds (1841), II. 51. The gold-finch … is somewhat of a battling bird.
1840. Carlyle, Heroes, iv. (1858), 236. The much-enduring, hard-worn, ever-battling man.
