monomachy

English

Etymology

From Middle French monomachie, or its source, Latin monomachia. Also mono- +‎ -machy.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /məˈnɒməki/
• (US) IPA^(key): /məˈnɑməki/

Noun

monomachy (plural monomachies)

1. (now rare) A fight or other contest between two people or forces; a duel; single combat. [from 16th c.]
   • 1624, Democritus Junior [pseudonym; Robert Burton], The Anatomy of Melancholy: […], 2nd edition, Oxford, Oxfordshire: Printed by John Lichfield and James Short, for Henry Cripps, →OCLC, partition II, section 1, member 3:

     He that shall observe […] so much emulation, envy, so many brawls, quarrels, monomachies, etc., may well require what is become of charity?

   • 1951, C. S. Lewis, chapter 13, in Prince Caspian, Collins, published 1998:

     Wherefore we most heartily provoke, challenge, and defy your Lordship to the said combat and monomachy […]