{ } n. The quality of being belligerent. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. the act or state of being engaged in war or a warlike conflict; warfare. Syn. -- hostilities. [ WordNet 1.5 ]
3. an aggressively hostile or warlike attitude or nature; a readiness to fight or offend, with little or no provocation. [ WordNet 1.5 +PJC ]