Tournament \Tour"na*ment\, n. [OE. turnement, tornement, OF.
torneiement, tornoiement, F. tournoiement a turning or
wheeling round. See Tourney.]
1. A mock fight, or warlike game, formerly in great favor, in
which a number of combatants were engaged, as an
exhibition of their address and bravery; hence,
figuratively, a real battle. ``In battle and in
tourneyment.'' --Chaucer.
With cruel tournament the squadrons join. --Milton.
Note: It different from the joust, which was a trial of skill
between one man and another.
2. Any contest of skill in which there are many contestents
for championship; as, a chess tournament.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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