battue

American  

[ba-too, -tyoo, ba-ty] / bæˈtu, -ˈtyu, baˈtü /

noun

Chiefly British.

plural

battues

1. Hunting.

   1. the beating or driving of game from cover toward a stationary hunter.

   2. a hunt or hunting party using this method of securing game.

2. undiscriminating slaughter of defenseless or unresisting crowds.

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battue British  

/ baty, -ˈtjuː, bæˈtuː /

noun

1. the beating of woodland or cover to force game to flee in the direction of hunters

2. 1. an organized shooting party using this method

   2. the game disturbed or shot by this method

3. indiscriminate slaughter, as of a defenceless crowd

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Etymology

Origin of battue

1810–20; < French, noun use of feminine of battu, past participle of battre < Latin battuere to beat. See battuta, battle ¹

Example Sentences

As the only Grand Slam contested on clay — in this case, the so-called terre battue, which is essentially crushed brick — the French Open stands apart from Wimbledon and the Australian and U.S.

From Washington Post • May 15, 2020

We outline whom they face first, how far they might go, and what would be a good French Open result for players from a nation that has traditionally struggled on the terre battue.

From The Guardian • May 23, 2015

Having beaten none other than Federer on clay earlier this year, Isner could very well go deep in the draw at the French—and restore some much-needed American pride on the dreaded terre battue.

From Time • May 23, 2012

Courier, for one, was never averse to what the French call terre battue.

From New York Times • Apr. 5, 2012

That by day is by battue, when a whole tribe turns out to “beard the lion in his den” and make him break cover.

From Notes in North Africa Being a Guide to the Sportsman and Tourist in Algeria and Tunisia by Windham, W. G.