in the military art, the encounter of two little bodies or parties of forces. In which sense rencounter is used in opposition to a pitched battle.

in single combats, is used by way of contradistinction

(A) This was the case at a very remote period; but it is otherwise at present, owing to the Precession of the Equinoxes. See that article. RENCOUNTER CONTRADISTINCTION TO DUEL.—When two persons fall out and fight on the spot without having premeditated the combat, it is called a rencounter.