a fight in which several combatants engage (spec. applied to a cock-fight of this character); a general engagement; a ‘free’ fight; hence figurative…

Open to all competitors; open for all. free fight: a fight in which all present may join.

An act of knocking down; a blow that knocks down or fells to the ground; figurative an overwhelming blow; a stand-up or free fight. Also (U.S. collo…

As a count noun. Originally: a rough, unregulated fight (now historical). Later in weakened sense: an instance of boisterous behaviour; a scrap. Also…

A race, contest, etc., which is open to all; (more generally) any disorganized or unrestricted situation or event in which everyone may take part…

Originally U.S. A go-as-you-please race; (later more generally) a free-for-all. Also: absence of rules or discipline; laissez-faire; casualness.