(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. (Med.) The act or process of letting blood or bleeding, as by opening a vein or artery, or by cupping or leeches; -- esp. applied to venesection. [ 1913 Webster ]