transitive. To wage (war, a war); to engage in (battle, hostile action). Obsolete (archaic and rare after 17th cent.).

transitive with cognate object: To carry on, wage (a warfare, etc.). rare.

To undertake, commence, make (war). Const. against, on, upon.

To carry on (war, a contest).

Of a commander: To march at the head of and direct the movement of. Also with on. †Also to conduct (warfare) = Latin ducere bellum.