n. [ OE. turnement, tornement, OF. torneiement, tornoiement, F. tournoiement a turning or wheeling round. See Tourney. ] 1. A mock fight, or warlike game, formerly in great favor, in which a number of combatants were engaged, as an exhibition of their address and bravery; hence, figuratively, a real battle. “In battle and in tourneyment.” Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]
With cruel tournament the squadrons join. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
☞ It different from the joust, which was a trial of skill between one man and another. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Any contest of skill in which there are many contestents for championship; as, a chess tournament. [ 1913 Webster ]