1. (n.) Originally, a swordplayer; hence, one who fought with weapons in public, either on the occasion of a funeral ceremony, or in the arena, for public amusement.
2. (n.) One who engages in any fierce combat or controversy.
Thesaurus Entries
battler, belligerent, belted knight, bickerer, blade, bravo, brawler, bully, bullyboy, combatant, competitor, contender, contestant, disputant, duelist, enforcer, fencer, feuder, fighter, fighting cock, foilsman, gamecock, goon, gorilla, hatchet man, hood, hoodlum, hooligan, jouster, knight, militant, plug-ugly, quarreler, rioter, rival, rough, rowdy, ruffian, sabreur, scrapper, scuffler, squabbler, strong arm, strong-arm man, strong-armer, struggler, swashbuckler, sword, swordplayer, swordsman, thug, tilter, tough, tussler, wrangler
