(n) indiscriminate slaughter, Syn. battue, bloodshed, bloodletting, Example:a bloodbath took place when the leaders of the plot surrendered; ten days after the bloodletting Hitler gave the action its name; the valley is no stranger to bloodshed and murder; a huge prison battue was ordered
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
‖n. [ F. battue, fr. battre to beat. See Batter, v. t., and cf. Battuta. ] (Hunting) (a) The act of beating the woods, bushes, etc., for game. (b) The game itself. (c) The wanton slaughter of game. Howitt. [ 1913 Webster ]