battue: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal, literary, historical, hunting terminology
Quick answer
What does “battue” mean?
A method of hunting where beaters drive game towards stationary hunters.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A method of hunting where beaters drive game towards stationary hunters.
Any indiscriminate or violent attack or roundup of people, likened to the hunting method; a sustained barrage or intense onslaught (e.g., of criticism).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily understood in its hunting context in both varieties. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical/literary texts due to the tradition of game hunting.
Connotations
Same core connotations of organized, forced pursuit in both varieties.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both, but marginally higher recognition in British English. Almost exclusively found in specialized or figurative/literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “battue” in a Sentence
conduct a battue [for/of game]be subjected to a battue [of criticism]organise a battue [against prey/people]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “battue” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The gamekeeper suggested they battue the wood for foxes next week.
- The estate has not battued that cover for years.
American English
- They plan to battue the thicket for deer this season.
adjective
British English
- The battue method is considered less sporting by some.
- A battue shoot was organised on the Scottish estate.
American English
- Battue hunting is regulated in this state.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, may appear in historical or cultural studies of hunting or figurative use in literary criticism.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would likely require explanation.
Technical
Standard term in historical or traditional game hunting manuals and contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “battue”
- Misspelling as 'battu' or 'batue'.
- Mispronouncing as /ˈbætjuː/ (like 'bat').
- Using it to mean any generic battle or fight, losing the specific 'driving' connotation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency word. It is primarily used in historical contexts, traditional hunting circles, or as a deliberate literary metaphor.
Yes, though it is extremely rare. It means to hunt or round up using the battue method (e.g., 'to battue a wood').
It comes from the French word 'battre', meaning 'to beat', referring to the beating of bushes to drive game.
A 'battue' specifically involves stationary hunters/shooters and a separate group of people (beaters) who drive the animals towards them, often resulting in a large, concentrated kill. A general 'hunt' does not necessarily imply this two-part, driven structure.
A method of hunting where beaters drive game towards stationary hunters.
Battue is usually formal, literary, historical, hunting terminology in register.
Battue: in British English it is pronounced /baˈtjuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /bæˈtuː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a battue of criticism”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine hunters shouting "BATTER them through!" as they beat the bushes, driving animals out. 'Battue' sounds like 'batter through'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM/ATTACK IS A HUNT; PEOPLE ARE GAME.
Practice
Quiz
In its most common figurative sense, 'battue' implies: