Ren*coun"ter, v. i. To meet unexpectedly; to encounter in a hostile
manner; to come in collision; to skirmish.
Ren*coun"ter, n. [F. rencontre, from renconter to meet.] 1. A meeting
of two persons or bodies; a collision; especially, a meeting in
opposition or contest; a combat, action, or engagement.
The justling chiefs in rude rencounter join.
Granville.
2. A causal combat or action; a sudden contest or fight without
premeditation, as between individuals or small parties.
The confederates should . . . outnumber the enemy in all
rencounters and engagements.
Addison.
Syn. -- Combat; fight; conflict; collision; clash.
Rend (rnd), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Rent (r?nt); p. pr. & vb. n. Rending.]
[AS. rendan, hrendan; cf. OFries. renda, randa, Fries. renne to cut,
rend, Icel. hrinda to push, thrust, AS. hrindan; or cf. Icel. r&?;na to
rob, plunder, Ir. rannaim to divide, share, part, W. rhanu, Armor.
ranna.] 1. To separate into parts with force or sudden violence; to
tear asunder; to split; to burst; as, powder rends a rock in blasting;
lightning rends an oak.
The dreadful thunder Doth rend the region.
Shak.