Battel

Battail. [Fr. bataille; L. Lat. duellum, batalium.Ji In old English law. Duel, or single combat. A species of trial or judicial combat, introduced into England, among other Norman customs, by William the Conqueror, in which a person accused of felony was allowed to fight with his accuser, under the apprehension that heaven would give the victory to the innocent or injured party. 3 Bl. Com. 337, Id. 346. It was also used as a mode of trial of issues joined on writs of right, in which the parties fought by champions. 3 Id. 337. It was abohshed by statute 59 Geo. III. c. 46. 3 Steph. Com. 582, note. 4 Id. 413. See further on this head, 3 Bl. Com. 337. Glanv. lib. 2, c. 3, 4, 5. Bract. lib. 3, tr. 2, c. 21, fol. 140, 141 b. Britt. c. 22. Dyer, 301. Termes de la ley.