the mind > attention and judgement > testing > debate, disputation, argument > [noun] > showing skill or spirit
14.. in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker (1884) I. 586/35 Gladiatura, a swerdpleyynge, or bokeler pleyynge.
1587 Sir P. Sidney & A. Golding tr. P. de Mornay xx. 360 Justs,..Swordplayings, Wrestlings, Buffetings.