A call to anyone to defend his or her innocence or honour by arms; a challenge. Obsolete exc. Historical.

The action of challenging someone to fight; a challenge, a defiance. Obsolete.

spec. A summons to fight, esp. to single combat or duel.

Declaration of defiance; challenge to fight.

spec. A pledge (usually a glove thrown on the ground) of a person's appearance to do battle in support of his assertions. Hence, a challenge. Also gag…

An act of daring or defying; a defiance, challenge. Now colloquial.

The act of defying or challenging to fight; a challenge or summons to a combat or contest; a challenge to make good or maintain a cause, assertion…