Shak.
Perception and judgment, employed in the investigation of all truth, have in the first place to encounter with particulars.
Tatham.
En*coun"ter, n. [OF. encontre, fr. encontrer. See Encounter, v. t.] 1. A meeting face to face; a running against; a sudden or incidental meeting; an interview.
To shun the encounter of the vulgar crowd.
Pope.
2. A meeting, with hostile purpose; hence, a combat; a battle; as, a bloody encounter.